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All set for Thrissur Pooram today

Photo: K.K. Najeeb

Ready for the show: Umbrellas to be displayed at Thrissur Pooram on Sunday. —

Thrissur: Thrissur Pooram will be celebrated on Sunday.

Thousands of people have started arriving here to savour the sights and sounds of one of the important socio-religious festivals in the State. Elephant parades, traditional musical ensembles, religious rites and fireworks display are the highlights of the Pooram, conducted jointly by the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady Devaswoms.

“Arrangements are nearly over. Elephants are being given proper rest before the parades. They are being washed and fed properly. Work on ornamental umbrellas is over. All is set for the 30-hour gala,” said M.C.S. Menon, Thiruvambady Devaswom president.

Each Devaswom pegs its festival budget at Rs.60 lakh, the bulk of which is raised through Pooram exhibition held at the Thekkinkad Maidan. Contributions from devotees constitute the rest.

“Captive elephant management and fire safety rules will be strictly followed,” said K. Manoharan, Paramekkavu Devaswom president.

Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu temples take out processions to the Thekkinkad Maidan during the festival, which is considered a symbolic meeting of Goddesses at the abode of the deity of Sree Vadakkunnathan temple.

Elephants Kuttankulangara Arjunan and Thiruvambady Sivasundar will bear the ‘thidambu’ (idol) of the Paramekkavu Bhagavathy and Thiruvambady Bhagavathy respectively.

One of the most colourful events of the day, ‘Kudamattom’ (display of ornamental umbrellas), will be staged around 5.30 p.m.

The ceremonies will begin with the arrival of Cheru Poorams (smaller processions) from Kanimangalam Sastha, Karamukku Bhagavathy, Neythilakavu Bhagavathy, Lalur Bhagavathy, Panamukkampalli Sastha, Choorakkottukavu Durga, Ayyanthole Karthyayani and Chembukkavu Karthyayani temples.

Pooram proper will begin with a procession (‘Madathil Varavu’) from the Thiruvambady temple around 7.30 a.m.

Thrissur Pooram presents traditional musical ensembles in their purest form. They include Panchavadyam, Pandi Melam and Ilanjithara Melam, led by Annamanada Parameswara Marar, Mattannur Sankarankutty and Peruvanam Kuttan Marar. Ilanjithara Melam will start at 2 p.m.

The main Pooram fireworks will be held on May 4 at 3 a.m.

Pyrotechnicians Mundathikodu Mani and Vennur Rajan will supervise the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu pyrotechnic shows respectively.

Elaborate security arrangements are in place.

The city wears a festive look with streets packed with revellers.

Hotels are heavily booked. Illuminated pandals have been set up at the Swaraj Round. Wayside vendors have occupied pavements, selling everything from clothes and bangles to candies and sunglasses.

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