New Delhi: Thrissur Pooram is a major festival held yearly in Thrissur, Kerala. It takes place on Pooram Day when the moon rises with the Pooram star during the month of Medam in the Malayalam calendar. This festival is one of the largest and most famous in India. It attracts over 1 million visitors and is considered one of the biggest festivals in Asia. Read on to discover the festival’s history, significance, and rituals.
Thrissur Pooram’s Rich History
Thrissur Pooram started with Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin, who ruled from 1790 to 1805. Before Thrissur Pooram, the biggest temple festival in Kerala, was the one-day event known as Arattupuzha Pooram. Temples near Thrissur regularly participated in this festival.
In 1796, due to heavy rain, temples from Thrissur (including Paramekkavu, Thiruvambadi, and several others) arrived late and were not allowed to join the Pooram procession. Upset by this, they approached Sakthan Thampuran for help. In response, he decided to create Thrissur Pooram on the same day in May as a large celebration. He invited temples to Thrissur to honour Vadakkunnathan, the presiding deity of the Vadakkunnathan Temple. A unique aspect of this festival is that everything used in it is made fresh from scratch each year, including the umbrellas and nettipattam, which are designated individual crafts.
Participants and the rituals
Participants
Sakthan Thampuran divided the temples into the “Paramekkavu” and “Thiruvambadi”. The main participants are the Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple and the Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple.
Thiruvambadi side
- Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple
- Laloor Bhagavathy Temple
- Ayyanthole Karthyayani Temple
- Nethilakkavu Bhagavathy Temple
Paramekkavu side
- Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple
- Chembukkavu Bhagavathy Temple
- Panamukkumpally Sastha Temple
- Choorakkottukavu Bhagavathy Temple
- Pookattikkara – Karamukku Bhagavathy Temple
- Kanimangalam Sastha Temple
The Pooram centres on the Vadakkunnathan Temple, where all these temples send their processions to pay respect to Shiva, the main deity. Sakthan Thampuran is believed to have planned the events of the Thrissur Pooram festival.
Rituals
Kodiyettam or Flag Hoisting Ceremony
The Kodiyettam, or flag-hoisting ceremony, is conducted in three ways:
1) Dhwajadi
2) Anguradi
3) Padahadi
Among these, Padahadi is the oldest and most relaxed method. Flag hoisting does not involve any religious rituals. The flag post is set up after the Valiya Balikallu and between the Balivattom and Ana Kottil. The length of the flag post must be shorter than the distance between the Valiya Balikallu and the Nalambalam. Similarly, the flag stick should be shorter than the length of the nalambalam’s fins. The stick must point north. The surface of the areca nut tree should be chipped on eight sides. The post should be decorated with Darba, mango leaves, and banyan tree leaves at irregular times.
Utsavabali
Utsavabali is a ritual that takes place during the celebrations. From the day of Kodiyettam to the last day, Bali is conducted with strict rules. Specific spots are marked with Balikallu around the shrine and outside the nalambalam. The thidambu (a deity replica) is removed from the shrine with a special instrument called Valiyapani. The ritual involves pouring “havis” (a mix of rice and flowers) in marked and unmarked areas. Bali is an offering to natural and supernatural powers, both good and bad, with specific prayers.
Aarattu
The Thidambu is taken to the kadavu (a special place in the temple pond), where drums play. After the pooja, the thanthri immerses the thidambu in the water. After this, the thidambu is treated with cosmetics like sandalwood water, rosewater, and turmeric. The deity is brought back to the temple with a new dress (PAATTU) and brief prayers and offerings. This is repeated daily during the eight days.
Poorapara
The festivals in Kerala celebrate the harvest. During the eight days of Pooram, the area known as thattakam is festive. Houses are painted and decorated, and streets are cleaned and lit up. The god travels the streets with great celebration while devotees offer paddy and fruits. The idea is that the deity checks in on the well-being of the devotees and addresses any concerns before Pooram.
Gramabali
Bali is performed after the night rituals in the temple on the day of Kodikuthu. It is believed that holy spirits reside at the domain’s entry points, certain trees, and around other temples and ponds. The chief priest and the thanthri present offerings at these points, with the deity travelling with them. This ritual is nearly extinct because it covers a large area.
Kodikutthu
This is the last programme of the Pooram festival. After the holy dip in the temple pond, the goddess travels back to the temple. The Kodikalpooram takes place between Arattukadavu and the flag. After the Pooram, the elephant, honoured to carry the Thidambu, pulls down the flag with the post. After the Sree Boothabali, the goddesses enter the sanctum sanctorum, and with “Uttram Pattu”, the god rests.
Thrissur Pooram, held annually in Thrissur, Kerala, is one of Asia’s largest festivals. This vibrant celebration, dating back to 1796, features spectacular elephant processions, the iconic Kudamattam parasol exchange, and breathtaking fireworks. The festival is a mesmerising blend of tradition, artistry, and religious devotion. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
