Thrissur (Kerala): The ceremonial announcement of Thrissur Pooram, the traditional ‘Pooram Vilambaram’, was held on Saturday in Thrissur amid large crowds of devotees.

With the opening of the southern gate of the Vadakkunnathan Temple, rituals formally began. The idol of Naithalakkavu Bhagavathy, carried on tusker Ernakulam Sivakumar, arrived at noon to mark the Pooram Vilambaram, signalling the start of festivities. Thrissur Pooram will be held on Sunday. Despite intense heat, large numbers gathered to witness the ceremony.

Fireworks cancelled after Mundathikkode explosion

In the aftermath of the Mundathikode fireworks tragedy, authorities have decided to hold this year’s festival without fireworks, scaling down a key feature of the event.

The decision was taken on Thursday at a high-level meeting led by Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan at the Thrissur Collectorate. The meeting was attended by two cabinet colleagues, Union Minister for Tourism and local MP Suresh Gopi, two local legislators, and senior district officials.

At least 15 lives were lost in the explosion that struck Thrissur on Tuesday evening. 

Key rituals retained with restrictions

Under the revised plan, the famed “Kudamattam” (ceremonial exchange of parasols) will be limited to 15 minutes, down from its usual duration of about an hour.

The fireworks display, traditionally a major highlight on the penultimate day of the week-long festival, has been completely scrapped. Other rituals will proceed in line with customary practices.

The Ilanjithara Melam, the percussion ensemble central to the festival, will be held in full, while Kudamattam will be conducted symbolically.

Thrissur Pooram, held annually at the Vadakkunnathan Temple, draws thousands of devotees and visitors from across the country. Known for its elephant processions, parasol displays and synchronised percussion performances, it remains a major cultural event.