Thrissur Pooram Begins: Thekkegopuram Gate Swings Open for ‘Pooram Vilambaram’

THRISSUR: The world-renowned Thrissur Pooram officially commenced on Saturday with the traditional ‘Pooram Vilambaram’ ceremony. Amidst a sea of devotees at the Thekkinkadu Maidan, the elephant Ernakulam Sivakumar, carrying the idol of the Neythalakkavilamma deity, pushed open the southern gateway (Thekkegopuram) of the Vadakkunnathan Temple. This marks the sixth consecutive year that Ernakulam Sivakumar, owned by the Cochin Devaswom Board, has performed this auspicious ritual. Despite the sweltering heat, thousands gathered to witness the symbolic opening that invites all to the grand festival.

While the city is gripped by Pooram fever, the celebrations this year will be tempered. Following the recent fireworks accident at Mundathikkode, authorities have decided to avoid the traditional massive fireworks display, limiting it to essential rituals only. Furthermore, the iconic Kudamattom (exchange of parasols) ceremony, which usually lasts for hours, has been shortened to a 15-minute event this year. However, all other tantric rituals and elephant processions will proceed as per tradition.

The festivities are set to peak on Sunday, reaching full spirit with the arrival of Kanimangalam Sastha in the morning. The Thiruvambady contingent will start their procession at 7:30 AM, followed by the Paramekkavu wing at 12:00 PM with an impressive lineup of 15 caparisoned elephants. The exhibitions of ornaments and accouterments (Chamaya Pradarshanam) for both sectors are currently drawing large crowds.

The afternoon will feature the famous Ilanjithara Melam, a magnificent percussion ensemble starting at 2:30 PM, followed by the revised 15-minute Kudamattom at 5:30 PM. The festival will conclude on Monday after the ‘Pagal Pooram’ (daytime pooram) and the final ‘Upacharam Cholli Piriyal’ (solemn farewell ceremony), where the deities bid adieu until next year.