Temples of India - Thrissur POORAM - The Festival of Festivals! (Post-2/2) - TravellerG

TravellerG · February 14, 2019, 2:43pm

…Thrissur POORAM - The Festival of Festivals! …

[Note: The first post of Vadakkumnathan Temple is Here (Post 1/2)]

Thrissur Pooram, ‘The Festival of Festivals’ (of Kerala), is a 200 years old tradition. Raja Rama Varma (Sakthan Thampuran) conceived the whole event in detail, which is still followed. During this seven day festival (in April-May), Raja wanted everyone to be a part of this festival. This spectacular event is viewed by Hundreds of Thousands of people from all over the country and all over the world.

In simple words, the pooram festival is a healthy competition between two groups – ie. Paramekkavu Temple and Thiruvambadi Temple (along with eight other temples). The major competitions will be:

A majestic procession lead by many ceremonially dressed elephants:

No: 2

No: 3

No: 4

About hundred magnificently caparisoned elephants (decorated with gold plated caparisons, umbrellas with different colours, 'Alavattam & Venchamaram’, accompanied by the traditional Temple Orchestra (Panchavadyam) give company to thousands of viewers.

No: 5

Thrilling & hypnotizing effect of the Panchavadyam throws you into a different world; Thousands of people keep shaking their hands to the rhythm, making the artists spirited. I seriously suggest viewing short YouTube videos. (Search: “Thrissur Pooram Panchavadyam” or “Thrissur Pooram Chenda Melam”).

No: 5.

Instant changing of ‘Umbrellas’ (parasols) with different colours, above the elephants, known as Kutamattom is still a unique part of this festival; really exciting views – here too I will suggest you to have a glance at any of the YouTube videos of “Thrissur Pooram Kutamattom”.

The colorful & exciting Fire-Works.

During the festival, besides minor fireworks, there are two main fire work sessions. The fire work known as sample firework is on the 4th day of the festival and the Major Fire work is on the sixth day and will last for hours.

No: 7

No: 8

No: 9

No: 10

(Note: Sorry, due to uncontrollable/heavy rush, the Tripod shakes were unavoidable; kindly pardon me)

During both these events, Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi teams will exhibit their varieties & novelties (skills) in competition, enthralling the audience – really breath taking views - No Photo/Video can explain the spirit over there.

This is an excellent occasion to enjoy the traditional & warm Malayalee hospitality and to feel the heritage value of 'The Cultural Capital of Kerala’. All are welcome.

Dear @BorrisS , @DeniGu @PoliMC @zhaolinhan @GhazalaShah @Mavlesagan @Alena_Smile_Phuket @aaryesdee @bassey @Santanu_Saha_01 & LG members - Your thoughts will be valuable to me.

PS:

BorrisS · February 14, 2019, 3:06pm

Hello @TravellerG ,

Thank you for sharing this great moment with us, the fireworks, the decoration, the costumes everything seems so beautiful. It really makes you wanna be there!

Personally, I appreciated very much the fact that you provided us with all these details, and even explaining on one of the photos what is what exactly, I’m really grateful for that.

PoliMC · February 14, 2019, 3:12pm

Hi @TravellerG ,

Thanks for the tag and for the nice post!

You added so much description which is great and the photos are amazing as well. The festival is very interesting for me because it’s completely different culture from mine. Your posts give us a lot of information about the culture which is just great!

YasumiKikuchi · February 14, 2019, 3:30pm

It is an exciting photo @TravellerG

A fireworks strikes the illuminated temple This extraordinary color makes me feel excited! I would like to ask the music of luxury elephant event. What kind of hypnosis will we take? Is there a movie?

GhazalaShah · February 14, 2019, 3:45pm

Another woohoo post dear @TravellerG . Photo #8, 4 & 2 are my most favorite. I am a big fan of festivities and cerlebrative culture of this great land. Marvelous

aaryesdee · February 14, 2019, 4:10pm

@TravellerG

WoW! What a great edit on Trissur Pooram.

The pictures, illustration makes it very interesting.

Thanks for sharing with us.

Regards

aaryesdee

TravellerG · February 15, 2019, 7:56am

Welcome dear @BorrisS - while I understand that there are very few readers (that too casual) in this forum, I am contributing just because of you few people.

Thanks

MortenSI · February 15, 2019, 7:58am

I was awaiting this post @TravellerG , thank you!

The second part of your post and the second part of this amazing story was as interesting as the first one. I still can’t get over how beautiful those elephants are!

Just to let you know I have relabelled both of your posts to Local Stories, as the festival of festivals really fit well under that topic.

TravellerG · February 15, 2019, 7:58am

You are welcome dear @PoliMC .

“…it’s completely different culture…” even in India, this is a unique festival!

TravellerG · February 15, 2019, 8:01am

Happy theat you enjoyed the post, dear @YasumiKikuchi :

“… the music of luxury elephant event. What kind of hypnosis …” let me try to give you a glimpse of ‘it’, in a short video, shortly.

Thanks for your inspiring words.

TravellerG · February 15, 2019, 8:04am

Your good heart is gifting these kind words, I am short of words to reply your response.

Thank you dear @GhazalaShah - Photo 2 & 4 has the gist of Pooram. shall search for my short film on Pooram.

Regards

PoliMC · February 15, 2019, 8:05am

Hi @TravellerG ,

Thanks for your reply!

Yeah, I am sure it is. I wish one day can visit such festival and take such amazing photos like you.

TravellerG · February 15, 2019, 8:06am

Your kind words are really motivational, ear @aaryesdee - Incidentally, how was your holiday? kindly tag me in your posts, please.

Thanks

TravellerG · February 15, 2019, 8:09am

Thank you for your kind words, dear @MortenSI - “… how beautiful those elephants are!..” - that too dozens of them - one year, I read that the total number reached 150 count.

TravellerG · February 15, 2019, 8:12am

God willingly, you will fulfill your wish, dear @PoliMC - all the best

MortenSI · February 15, 2019, 8:12am

That’s incredible @TravellerG , I can’t even imagine where they would find so many elephants, let alone train them to behave so well during such a massive event.

There’s no doubt elephants are extremely intelligent creatures, and I think it’s amazing how such big animals can be around us small humans, and not do any harm at all.

TravellerG · February 15, 2019, 8:21am

Hi Dear @MortenSI -You are very correct - it still a mystery… If you happen to watch a video, then you will understand, that along with (Extremely) LOUD MUSIC (Panchavadyam) and shouting & screaming of people, still these elephants keep cool, that too for HOURS!

For your info: There is an UNBELIEVABLE scene - if you see even the video, your body will freeze… The Tallest (Gaja Raja) elephant comes out of temple, to a crowd of “Thousands Human Beings”. Shocking…

Let me try for some videos, shortly.

Regards

aaryesdee · February 15, 2019, 8:35am

@TravellerG

Thank you Sir Ji’!

My trip was very memorable. I posted several reviews.

Infact I too have a collection of #templesofindia , but not as professional as yours.

Thanks & Regards

aaryesdee

MortenSI · February 15, 2019, 9:04am

I would love to see that video @TravellerG , it sounds crazy!

Witnessing this event in person would be a dream to me. I will have to see if I can make it happen some day.

TravellerG · February 15, 2019, 12:35pm

“…rip was very memorable. I posted several reviews…” excellent - happy to hear that; I have seen all of them; I again suggest to TAG like-minded people in your post so that we can enjoy your posts.

“…In fact I too have a collection of #templesofindia , but not as professional as yours…” - I am of the opinion, here we are LGs and not Pros - please add your experiences - I will surely wait for some of the important temples, for sure.

Thanks, dear friend @aaryesdee