Thrissur Pooram, held at Thekkinkadu Maidanam in the heart of Thrissur district, is a resplendent festival celebrated with grandeur, blending the spiritual and cultural essence of Kerala. Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May), this annual temple festival is widely regarded as the "Mother of all Poorams." The brainchild of Shakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Kochi, Thrissur Pooram brings together ten temples in a magnificent spectacle that captivates thousands of visitors each year.

The festival features an enthralling lineup of events, with vibrantly decked elephants being a major highlight. The Kudamattom ceremony, involving the swift and rhythmic changing of brightly colored and sequined parasols, is a keenly watched event that exemplifies the festival's visual splendor. Another significant highlight is the Ilanjithara Melam, a mesmerizing performance of traditional instruments that lifts the spirits of thousands gathered, creating an atmosphere of euphoria and bliss. Around 250 artists participate in this traditional orchestra, led by chenda artists, with the crowd responding to the rhythm of chenda, kurumkuzhal, kombu, and elathalam.

The history of Thrissur Pooram dates back over 200 years. Before its inception, the Arattupuzha Pooram, held 16 kilometers away from Vadakumnathan Temple, was the largest temple festival in Kerala. However, when several temples were delayed in attending Arattupuzha Pooram due to heavy rain, the chief of Peruvanam Gramam denied their entry. In response, the chiefs of Thrissur and Kuttanellur started their own festival at Thrissur. Shakthan Thampuran later unified the ten temples around Vadakumnathan Temple and organized Thrissur Pooram as a mass festival. He classified the participants into two groups: the Western group, consisting of Thiruvambady, Kanimangalam, Laloor, Ayyanthole, and Nethilakkavu temples, and the Eastern group, including Paramekkavu, Karamukku, Chembukkavu, Choorakottukavu, and Panamukkampilly temples.

The festival kicks off with the flag hoisting ceremony, known as Kodiyettam, which marks the beginning of the celebrations. The pooram follows a strict schedule, with the processions of each temple deity meticulously timed to maintain the festival's energy over 36 hours. The day begins with the ceremonial entrance of Kanimangalam Sastha, followed by processions of other participating deities. Each deity is carried on caparisoned elephants, accompanied by grand ensembles of Chenda melam and Panchavadyam, creating a mesmerizing visual and auditory experience.

The grand finale of Thrissur Pooram is marked by a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky, followed by the conclusion of the festival the next morning with the lowering of the temple flag. Throughout the festival, visitors can also enjoy the Thrissur Pooram Exhibition, an excellent platform to educate, promote, advertise, and sell products, attracting a large number of people each year.

Thrissur Pooram is not just a temple festival; it is a cultural extravaganza that transcends religious boundaries, bringing together people from all walks of life. The vibrant processions, dynamic performances, and the palpable sense of devotion make Thrissur Pooram a celebration of Kerala's rich cultural heritage and an event that leaves a lasting impression on all who witness it.