Kerala readies for Thrissur Pooram festival

Thrissur, April 29 (IANS) Kerala is all set to celebrate Thrissur Pooram this week, in a festival that will see majestic, caparisoned elephants passing through the town as well as a fireworks display.

Celebrated every year in the month of 'Medam' (mid-April to mid-may) as per the Malayalam calendar, the festival was introduced by King Sakthan Thampuran of the erstwhile Kochi state in the late 18th century.

According to the custom, on Pooram day Tuesday, around 50 or more caparisoned elephants with 'kudamattam' - colourful umbrellas that are changed in rapid succession atop the elephants - pass through the centre of Thrissur town.

The fireworks display in the early hours of the next day is another highlight of the festival, which is celebrated for nearly 36 hours, drawing a large number of people from across the state.

The participating temples include the Vadakunnathan temple, the Krishna temple at Thiruvambadi and the Devi temple at Paramekkavu.

'This year, we are using remote-control operated firecrackers and are trying to reduce the noise level. Focus is more on a colourful display of fireworks,' said one of the organisers.

Another feature of the Thrissur Pooram is its secular nature which sees active participation from all communities across the state.