Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur Pooram, the internationally famed temple festival of Kerala unfolds every year in the premises of the Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur (former Trichur) district of Kerala, India.

A friendly rivalry
Nine temples participate in the grand spectacle called Thrissur Pooram. However, the most celebrated participants are the Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple and the Thiruvambadi Sree Krishna Temple. The two vie each other to present their best in all events associated with the festival.

Kudamattam
A colourful part of this grand festival is the Kudamattam ceremony, which takes place in the evening of the final day of the festival. This is a competitive display of sequined parasols, atop caparisoned elephants by the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples. The two temple groups, with their elephants, line up to face each other outside the southern entrance of the Vadakkumnathan Temple. Percussion ensembles and cheering of thousands add to the electrifying atmosphere during the Kudamattam.