Thrissur, 20 April (HS): The grand celebrations of Thrissur Pooram will begin today with traditional flag hoisting ceremonies, setting the cultural capital of Kerala into a festive fervour. With preparations in the final stage, thousands of devotees and visitors are expected to throng the city in the coming days.
The ceremonial flag hoisting will take place at Thiruvambady temple around 11 a.m., followed by Paramekkavu temple shortly thereafter, marking the official start of the Pooram festivities. The Pooram exhibition is scheduled for April 24, while the main festival will be held on April 26. Key highlights include the arrival of participating temples, the famed Ilanjithara Melam, Panchavadyam performances, the vibrant Kudamattam (parasol exchange), and the much-awaited fireworks display.
The celebrations begin with the component Pooram at Laloor Karthyayani temple, where the flag will be hoisted at around 8:30 a.m. following tantric rituals. The temple is steeped in legend, with its name believed to have originated from ‘Yagoor’, meaning a place of sacred rituals. Laloor Karthyayani and Karamukku Bhagavathy temples are traditionally considered sister shrines.
The Laloor temple is known for its unique customs and heritage. Believed to have been consecrated by Parashurama, it is one among the 108 Durga temples where the deity is worshipped in a child-like form. As a result, fireworks and bright-coloured attire are avoided, and the temple has no sub-shrines.
On April 26, the deity will set out at 6 a.m. for the Pooram, accompanied by Panchavadyam. The elephant procession will gradually grow in number before reaching the Vadakkunnathan Temple, where ceremonial honours will be offered. The procession will then return directly to Laloor.
In the evening, rituals will be repeated as part of the traditional observances, building up to the grand Pooram celebrations.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
