Thrissur: Kerala's renowned Thrissur Pooram culminated in a spectacular display of fireworks at the Vadakkunnathan Temple on Monday morning, showcasing the vibrancy of the people who flocked to the temple grounds. The stunning pyrotechnics show featured charming patterns of vibrant colours against the sky, adding to the allure of this iconic event.

The sprawling Thekkinkadu Maidan played host to the renowned Pooram, drawing thousands of people of all ages and religions who came together to witness this annual spectacle. Widely considered as the mother of all temple festivals in the southern state, the Thrissur Pooram has become a symbol of Kerala's rich cultural heritage.

Thirty caparisoned elephants--15 each from the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady temples--stood face-to-face adhering to the centuries-old customs and traditions.

During the famed 'Kudamattam', which began shortly after six in the evening, the Thiruvambady side stole the show with a display of an impressive illuminated cutout of Argentinian football legend Lionel Messi holding the World Cup.

Kudamattam is a change of colourful ornamental silk parasols in quick succession by people mounted atop the elephants.

Besides the different colours, patterns and layers on the umbrellas, there were illuminated cutouts of various deities including Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathy, and Lord Krishna among others.

The display of 'nettipattams' (the golden caparisons) 'venchamaram' (ornamental fan made of peacock feathers) and 'muthukkuda' (decorative umbrellas) atop the jumbos was a feast to the crowd which was enthralled by the traditional music ensembles, 'panchavadyam and pandimelam', by an array of percussionists.

The two-centuries-old Thrissur Pooram had its origin in 1798, through a royal edict of the then Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as Shakthan Thampuran, a powerful ruler of the erstwhile princely state of Cochin.

The edict entrusted two local temples -- Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady -- as the main sponsors of the festivities to be conducted in a competitive spirit.

Besides the main poorams by the two Devaswoms, small poorams from nearby temples also participated in the festivities, which will end late Sunday night with a massive fireworks display.  (With PTI Inputs)