Kerala prepares for Pooram Festival

THRISSUR - Artisans are preparing colourful parasols for the forthcoming ‘Thrissur Pooram’, elephant Festival in Kerala.

Primarily a Hindu religious festival, the event attracts people from other communities.

“Every year, new variety of huge and colorful umbrellas is introduced in this festival. We are preparing 45 sets of such umbrellas in this place, which took us around two months with 15 artisans. In this work, all religions put their effort in preparing all the handicrafts, which is another specialty. The elephants’ head cover with gold plating is mainly done by Christian artisans,” said Vasanthan K, chief artisan.

The gold-plated ornaments for elephants, handmade umbrellas, and percussion instruments add to the festival’s grandeur.

The festival commences with the arrival of small elephant processions, which head towards their respective deities in different villages across Thrissur and finally end their journey at the grounds of the Vadakumnathan Temple.

The final show concludes with caparisoned elephants and ‘Kudamattam’ (exchange of colorful umbrellas) rituals at the two rival temples of Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady Devaswom, the two promoters of Pooram since first commenced in 1798.

It is believed that King Sakthan, who ruled Kochi in the late 18th century, started the festival.

The word Pooram literally means a group or a meeting and it is believed that the gods and goddesses meet for a day of celebrations.

This year, the festival falls on April 24. (ANI)