Thrissur Pooram culminates sans public participation

Thrissur Pooram, an annual temple festival held in Thrissur, Kerala at the Thekkinkadu Maidan has concluded. This year the event was held amidst strict Covid regulations.

Thrissur (Kerala): Amidst a raging second wave of COVID pandemic and a steady rise in the number of positive cases, the land of Vadakkunnathan witnessed a Thrissur Pooram without the crowd and festivities. However, the rituals and customs were performed without fail and streamed on television for the public.

At 7 in the morning, the elephant carrying the idol of Kanimangalam Sasthavu reached Thekkinkadu Maidan in Vadakunnathan temple premises marking the Pooram Purappadu (the beginning) on Friday. The elephants carrying the idols of the other participating temples and small groups along with the idols arrived at the venue in small processions as per rituals.

The organizers who had got their passes and a few others who adhered to the COVID protocol gathered at the Maidan and in front of the Vadakkunnathan Temple. At 11 am, in the glowing sun, Madathil Varavu was conducted by the Thiruvambadi Temple in front of Brahmaswom Madam. During the Madathil Varavu, Kongad Madhu led the Panchavadhyam, a customary ensemble during the pooram.

Though the number of artists performing in the ensemble was reduced, the charm and beauty of the event weren't lost.

After playing Kalasham at Naduvilal and in front of the Devaswom, it was a majestic Panchavadhyam performance at Naikkanal. Amid Panchavadhyam, the idol of Paramekkavu Bhagavathy was brought out escorted by 15 elephants. This was accompanied by a one-hour-long Chembada Melam led by Maestro Peruvanam Kuttan Marar.

The eagerly awaited Ilanjithara Melam started when Paramekkavu Bhagavathi reached the Vadakkunnathan Temple compound under the Ilanji tree. The Ilajithara Melam, during which thousands of Pooram lovers swish their hands in the air in tune usually, only had the organizers to witness this time.

At 2.45 pm, Thiruvambady’s Pandi Melam led by Kizhakkottu Aniyan Marar began at the Sree Moola Sthanam. At 5 in the evening, the Melam (percussion ensemble) concluded with the Thekkottirakkam.

Later, a Kudamattom, the spectacular event of changing ornamental umbrellas atop the tuskers lined up, took place as a meagre ritual.

Thiruvambadi conducted the Kudamattom with just one elephant opposite to the 15 tuskers lined up by Paramekkavu, wherein 25 sets of umbrellas were changed.

All the traditional rituals and customs were performed without fail even amid the COVID regulations.

Thrissur Pooram comes to an end sans the loud cheer, huge crowds, and the carnival atmosphere. However, spectacular fireworks lit up the skies even as the people were not allowed anywhere nearby.

It is the Pakal Pooram (Pooram during the day) tomorrow. All the regulations that were strictly observed and enforced today would continue tomorrow. With a message of survival in the wake of the second wave of the pandemic, Thrissur Pooram culminates while the Pooram lovers are awaiting a full-fledged pooram celebration at least next year, in all its glory.