Caparisoned elephants under ornamental umbrellas before a huge crowd at Thrissur Pooram
Faith and devotion

Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur, Kerala

Kerala's grand temple festival, with decorated elephants, drum ensembles and fireworks.

The story

  • The deities of nearby temples, led by those of Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady, come in procession to pay their respects to Shiva at the Vadakkumnathan Temple, and bid him farewell the next morning.
  • Started over 200 years ago by Sakthan Thampuran, who brought ten temples together around Vadakkumnathan.
  • Known for Kudamattom, the parasol exchange on elephant back, the Ilanjithara Melam drumming and the fireworks.

What happens

  1. day

    Thrissur

    The date set by the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi : a day of decorated elephants, drums and fireworks.

Where it happens

★Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur

The central ground of the .

What to eat

Poora kanji

A special rice porridge served at the community feast that ends the Pooram.

The community feast at the end of the festival.

Veg
Pazhampori and Kerala snacks

Banana fritters, vadas and chai from the snack stalls.

Pothanicaud, Thrissur.

Veg

Know before you go

  • It is very crowded; arrive hours early for a good view.
  • April is hot in Kerala, so carry water and sun protection.
  • Book Thrissur stays early.

Organised by

Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi Devaswoms

Sources

  1. Drik Panchang – Thrissur Pooram 2027: dates · checked 15 Oct 2026
  2. Kerala Tourism – Thrissur Pooram: the story · checked 22 Oct 2026
  3. Kerala Tourism – Thrissur Pooram article: the story, food · checked 22 Oct 2026, 19 Oct 2026
  4. Outlook Traveller, city guide to Thrissur: food · checked 19 Oct 2026
  5. ixigo: Cochin to Thrissur buses: last-leg fares (typical, not official) · checked 7 Oct 2026
  6. 12Go: Ernakulam to Thrissur: last-leg fares (typical, not official) · checked 7 Oct 2026
  7. DoPT – List of holidays 2027 (O.M. dated 16.07.2026): long weekends