Thrissur: With the grief of the Mundathikode tragedy in Thrissur still fresh, the festival strongholds are nevertheless preparing for Pooram. This year’s celebrations have been deliberately scaled back, with reduced festivities and extravagance.

The excitement began yesterday with the ceremonial opening of the southern gate of Vadakkunnathan Temple. The majestic elephant Ernakulam Shivakumar carried the idol of Neythalakkavu Amma, marking an auspicious start. Today, the celebrations reach their peak.

From early morning, the processions of the constituent Poorams have been making their way to Vadakkunnathan Temple. Kanimangalam Shastha is the first to arrive, followed in traditional sequence by the Poorams from Karamuuk, Chempukavu, Panamukkumppilly, Lalur, Ayyanthol, Neythalakkavu, and Churakkottukavu temples. Each procession is accompanied by vibrant melam performances and caparisoned elephants.

Festival enthusiasts are expected to gather in large numbers to witness these processions. For many, it is not enough to simply hear the melam — it must be seen and experienced. Spectators typically secure vantage points around the pandal in front of Thekke Madham well in advance.

The Madathil Varavu is scheduled to begin at around 11:00 am. While Panchavadyam performances are familiar to many, connoisseurs say the Madathil Varavu Panchavadyam carries a distinctive charm. Those seeking an even more exhilarating experience often head to Paramekkavu, where this year’s procession begins earlier than usual. Starting at 11:30 am, it will be accompanied by Chempada Melam, which will culminate in the renowned Ilanjithara Melam inside the Vadakkunnathan Temple at 2:00 pm.

The much-anticipated Kudamattam will take place at 5:30 pm at the southern entrance. Later in the evening, the daytime processions of Bhagavathy and Shastha will be repeated.

Although fireworks have been omitted this year, tradition will be observed with the firing of a ceremonial cannon from each side during the early morning hours.

Following tomorrow’s daytime Pooram, around noon, the deities of Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady will bid farewell, bringing the celebrations to a close. Until then, Thrissur Pooram continues in a spirit of resilience, gently setting aside sorrow as it embraces tradition.