Thrissur: The cultural heartbeat of Kerala comes alive today as the iconic Thrissur Pooram begins with spectacular flag hoisting ceremonies at the main temples—Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu—and eight participating temples. Known for its unmatched grandeur and tradition, the week-long festival promises vibrant displays, thrilling percussion, majestic elephants, and dazzling fireworks.
The celebrations will build up over the next few days, with the much-anticipated sample fireworks and decorative parasol display taking place on May 4. The Pooram proclamation, a key ceremonial moment, will be held on May 5 at 9 AM when the southern gopuram gate is ceremoniously opened by the majestic tusker, Ernakulam Sivakumar.
The grand Pooram procession—the heart of the celebration—will unfold on May 6, and the festivities will conclude on May 7 with the emotional farewell ritual, “Upacharam Cholli Piriyal.”
At Thiruvambady temple, the flag hoisting is scheduled between 11:00 and 11:30 AM, with Puliyannur Sankaranarayanan Namboothiri serving as the chief priest. Traditional custodians Thazhathepuraykkal Sundaran and Sushith will prepare the ceremonial flagpole. At 3 PM, Thiruvambady Chandrasekharan will lead the Pooram procession, followed by flag-raising ceremonies at Naickanal and Naduvilal at 3:30 PM.
At Paramekkavu, celebrations begin with a traditional performance by Valia Panikkar. The flag will be hoisted by local representatives, with the ceremonial pole prepared by hereditary right-holder Chembil Kuttanashari. Flags will also go up at Palamaram and Manikandanali. Paramekkavu Kashinathan will lead a grand procession of five elephants accompanied by a thunderous percussion ensemble led by the famed Kizhakkoottu Aniyan Marar. Fireworks are also set to light up the skies later in the day.
Flag hoisting ceremonies will also be held today at the eight participating temples—Kanimangalam, Panamukkumpilly, Chembukkavu, Karamukku, Laloor, Choorakottukavu, Ayyanthole, and Neythalakavu—marking the official start of Kerala’s most spectacular temple festival.
