Kochi: Thekkinkadu maidanam (ground) witnessed a sea of humanity relishing every moment witnessing Kudamattam (Exchange of parasols) event, the penultimate show of Thrissur Pooram, on Tuesday evening.
Fifteen elephants in all its glory lined up face to face to please the presiding deity of Vadakkumnathan Shiva temple to exchange parasols.
Mind boggling performances displayed as an offering to Lord Shiva of Vadakkunnathan temple added a new chapter to the history of Thrissur Pooram on Tuesday.
The festivities began with the entry of
‘Kanimangalam Sasthavu’ on an elephant through the southern gate of the Vadakkumnathan Shiva temple at 7.30 am.
Soon ‘Thidambu’ (idols) of
Chembookavu Karthiayani Devi’,
‘Panamukkampilly Sasthavu,
‘Karamukku Karthiyani Devi’, Laloor Bhagavathy, ‘Choorakkottukavu Durga Devi’, ‘Ayyanthole Karthiyani Devi’ and ‘Naithalakavu Bhagavathi’ from temples in the suburban region of the city reached the temple.
The arrival of Thiruvambadi Bhagavathi
at southern madham at 11.30 am led to the performance of Madathil varavu percusion event. Kongadu Madhu was the Melam Pramanikan (master of musical ensemble).
By 12.30 Paramekkavu Bhagavathy set out for pooram.
The Ilanjithara Melam, (percusion event) which started at 2.30 pm, took people to a different heights of euphoria as they whirled to the rhythm of the band led by Kizhakoottu, Aniyan Marar,
The mesmerizing performance using percussion instruments like Chenda, Ilathalam, Kombu was intoxicating to the revellers who swayed to the hypnotizing moments of the event.
With the culmination of Ilanjithara Melam at about 5.30 pm, Thekkottu Irakkam (southern descent) was performed when Paramekkav goddess Bhagavathy was positioned facing the south tower, flanking the legendary King Shakthan Thapuran’s statue in front of the temple.
Thereafter the focus shifted to the South tower where the world famous Kudamattam (exchange of parasols) event was getting ready with teams representing Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu temples flexing muscles to prove their supremacy.
The team members representing the two temples, the key stakeholders of the festival, settled on top of decorated elephants to perform the penultimate show of the festival.
They were backed by representatives of eight other temples located in the suburbs of the district.
It was a sea of humanity in Thekkinkadu ground, Vadakkumnathan precincts, Swaraj round.
As the procession carrying the idol of Thiruvambadi reached in front of South Fort of Vadakkunnathan temple signalled the commencement of Madathil varavu panchavadyam.
The festival will end with the fascinating fireworks known worldover. Thiruvambadi temple will light the fireworks at
3 am on May 7. This will be followed by Paramekkavu. The festival is a contest between two teams with each led by Thiruvambadi temple and Paramekkavu temple to please Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Vadakkumnathan temple.
Pooram sends festival lovers to new heights
