Events

How Did Thrissur Pooram Start And What Makes It So Special

Published

7 years ago

April 25, 2018

Shibul Pavithran

Image from: couchsurfing.com

It is known as the mother of all temple festivals In Kerala. Thousands will be witnessing the Thrissur Pooram this year, the main days being April 24 and 25. From night-long fireworks, colourful umbrellas and the decorated elephants, it’s one event that all the Malayalis look forward to

Text Credit: Shibul Pavithran

Thrissur Pooram was the brainchild of Raja Rama Varma, famously known as Sakthan Thampuran. Before the start of Thrissur Pooram, the largest temple festival in Kerala was the one-day festival held at Aarattupuzha known as Arattupuzha Pooram. Temples in and around the city of Thrissur were regular participants. One day because of heavy rains, they were late for the Arattupuzha Pooram and were denied access to the Pooram procession. As an act of reprisal Thrissur Naduvazhi, the chief of Vadakunnathan, known as Yogadiripad and Kuttanellur Naduvazhi started the Pooram in Thrissur. Later due to some reasons, the Kuttanellur Naduvazhi disassociated the celebration at Thrissur. Since his withdrawal, the glamour of the Pooram was lost and the two ‘Naduvazhies’ began to treat each other as enemies. It was at this juncture the former ruler of Cochin, His Highness Raja Rama Varma, became the Maharaja of Kochi (1790–1805). He unified the 10 temples situated around Vadakkunnathan temple and took steps to celebrate Thrissur Pooram as a mass festival. The Maharaja reorganized the annual festival in its present form in front of Vadakkunathan. He also directed the main temples at Thrissur, Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady to extend all support and help to other Poorams which are coming from 2 to 10 Km away from Vadakkunnathan temple.

Source: Kerala.me

Held on the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May), festival-related events take place at the Vadakkunnathan temple situated in the heart of Thrissur town and the adjoining Thekkinkadu ground. The Raja and the priests of the two other important local temples, the Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple and the Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, pay obeisance to Shiva, the presiding deity of the Vadakkunnathan Temple. The priests of the two temples and their processions stand opposite each other and celebrate Lord Shiva whose idol is placed in the center.

These two temples compete with and try to outwit each other in the procession. They bring fifteen elephants, each decorated to dazzle. This is one such breathtaking site which shouldn’t be missed.

The spectators too catch the dynamics of the event and join in the frenzy. Both sides alternately exchange colorful umbrellas and fans in perfect rhythm and every time this happens there are cheers from the crowd. All this, while the nadaswarams and drums beat away, creating a trance which can only be experienced if you present there.

Source: Myopic lenses

Hundreds of temple orchestra and music instruments, the type of which is seen only in Kerala, are played by expert artists in the field. The traditional percussion ensembles such as Pancharimelam, Pandimelam, and Panchavadyam provide an appropriate accompaniment to the visual treat. Panchavadyam consists of five instruments: kombu, edakka, thimila, ilathalam and maddalam (pancha – five, vadyam – orchestra), and other instruments like Chenda, madalam, Kurumkuzhal are also included.

Source: youtube

In Malayalam, there have been countless movies depicting the celebrations of Thrissur Pooram. One of the recent favourite being, a scene from Charlie where the entire suspense of the movie finally breaks amidst the magnanimous spirit of Thrissur Pooram.

And a brilliant track from recent times that became an anthem amongst Malayalis; Kaanthaa by Masala Coffee. This song makes a connection with Thrissur Pooram that’s hard to describe in words, rather just hear it.

Related Topics:Charlie Kaanthaa Maharaja of Kochi Masala Coffee Raja Rama Varma Shiva Thrissur Pooram Vadakkunnathan temple

Up Next

World Unites To Celebrate Dance On This Sunday, April 29

Don't Miss

Kochi Marriott presents the Grand Awadhi Festival, from April 27 to May 6

Comments

Events

The L’Oréal Paris Show at Paris Fashion Week 2024

Published

3 months ago

September 25, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

The L’Oréal Paris runway at Paris Fashion Week 2024 was a captivating spectacle, celebrating women’s empowerment, inclusion, and sisterhood under the theme “Walk Your Worth.” A star-studded lineup of global icons brought glamour to the stage.

Kendall Jenner stole the spotlight in a bold red mesh asymmetric dress, paired with a vibrant lip and striking bleach blonde hair. Alia Bhatt, making her much-anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week, dazzled in a metallic silver bustier and black off-shoulder jumpsuit. Eva Longoria mesmerized in a sheer organza gown with a daring high slit, dripping in diamonds.

Other standout moments included Cara Delevingne rocking a red silk trench coat and high-waisted hot pants, while Jane Fonda exuded elegance in a shimmering silver trench, styled with metallic trainers. The event also featured appearances from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Heidi Klum, and Simone Ashley, each bringing their unique flair to the runway.

Kendal Jenner

Eva Longaria

Aishwarya Rai

Anitta

Viola Davis and Simone Ashley

Jane Fonda

Heidi Klum

Andie MacDowell

Cara Delevingne

Belinda Peregrin

Bethenny Frankel

Aja Naomi King

Beatrice Vio

Samadhi Zendejas

Alia Bhatt

Camila Cabello

Events

Love in Simplicity: Aditi and Siddharth’s Ethereal Wedding Day

Published

3 months ago

September 17, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

When celebrities tie the knot, their weddings are often surrounded by a whirlwind of excitement. Strict ‘no-photo’ policies, tight security, and exclusive press appearances keep much of the event under wraps, but fans always sense when something special is happening. So when we scrolled through Instagram today and stumbled upon the wedding photos of actors Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth, it was a delightful surprise that instantly brought a smile to our faces. Yes, the lovebirds have officially tied the knot, and their dreamy wedding pictures look like something straight out of a fairytale.

The most endearing aspect of Aditi and Siddharth’s wedding is the sheer simplicity that radiates an overwhelming sense of serenity and grace. The bride and groom looked ethereal as they exchanged vows in the presence of their closest loved ones. The pure joy on their faces is simply contagious, making their day of love all the more heartwarming.

Aditi looks breathtakingly beautiful as a bride in her beige Sabyasachi saree, adorned with traditional gold jewelry that perfectly complements the intricate border of her wedding attire. Her handsome groom, Siddharth, keeps it classic in a white kurta pajama. The love between them is undeniable, and seeing the way Siddharth gazes at Aditi will make you wish for someone who looks at you with the same adoration.

We couldn’t be happier for the newlyweds! Here’s to wishing Mrs. and Mr. Adu-Siddhu a lifetime filled with love, joy, and endless happiness.

Events

The VMA 2024 Red Carpet Looks

Published

3 months ago

September 14, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

The MTV Video Music Awards red carpet may not have the prestige of events like the Oscars or Cannes, but it has always delivered its own brand of unforgettable fashion drama. For decades, the VMAs have been a playground for bold and daring celebrity looks. Calling the event’s style “unconventional” is putting it mildly, as the red carpet has famously seen everything from sequin nipple pasties to dresses made entirely of meat.

This year was no exception, with stars stepping out in their most provocative ensembles. The 2024 VMAs red carpet featured standout moments like Chappell Roan in custom Y/Project, Anitta in custom Dolce & Gabbana, and Lisa in vintage Mugler. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite fashion moments from the night.

Sabrina Carpenter in archival Bob Mackie and De Beers

Chappell Roan in Y/Project