Thrissur: Ernakulam Sivakumar, the tallest elephant of Cochin Devaswom Board, carried ‘thidambu’ during the grand procession from Neythalakkavu temple to Sree Vadakkunnathan temple, marking the Vilambaram ritual of Thrissur Pooram this year.

The tusker opened the Thekke Gopura Nada (south gate) of Vadakkunnathan temple at 12 pm on Saturday, and led the ‘Pooram Vilambaram’ (festival proclamation) at the Nilapadu Thara. It is a ritual which formally declares the beginning of Thrissur’s resplendent festival. 

The major events of Thrissur Pooram, including the display of umbrellas on caparisoned elephants will take place on Sunday, while the main fireworks will be held in the wee hours of Monday.