Thrissur Pooram Festival 2026
Date: 27 April 2026
Full Date
21 April 2026 6:00 AM – 28 April 2026 12:00 AM
Muhurat Timings in India
Kodiyettam (Flag Hoisting)
Flag hoisting ceremony marking the official start of Thrissur Pooram.
21 April 2026 6:00 AM – 21 April 2026 7:00 AM
Ilanjithara Melam
Traditional percussion ensemble energizing the festival celebrations.
27 April 2026 2:00 PM – 27 April 2026 5:00 PM
Kudamattam
Ceremony involving the rhythmic and colorful changing of umbrellas atop elephants.
27 April 2026 5:30 PM – 27 April 2026 7:00 PM
Vedikettu Fireworks
Magnificent fireworks display marking the climax of Thrissur Pooram.
27 April 2026 7:00 PM – 28 April 2026 6:00 AM
Introduction
Thrissur Pooram is a spectacular annual temple festival held in Kerala, marking the celebration of deities from surrounding temples at Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. Famous for its posture of elephants, rhythmic drum ensembles, and vivid fireworks, it is a cultural highlight in South India.
Other Names
Thrissur Temple Festival, Pooram Festival Kerala
Pooja Vidhi
- Begin with Kodiyettam flag hoisting ceremony at the temple grounds.
- Prepare elephants with traditional decorations and ornaments.
- Organize and participate in Ilanjithara Melam and percussion performances.
- Perform Kudamattam umbrella changing ceremony atop elephants in rhythm.
- Conduct evening prayers and archana inside the temple.
- Witness grand fireworks displays marking festival nights.
Rituals
- Kodiyettam ceremony or flag hoisting marks the festival's beginning.
- Elephants decorated with nettipattam and ornaments participate in grand processions.
- Ilanjithara Melam, a traditional percussion ensemble, energizes the celebrations.
- Kudamattam involves rapid and colorful umbrella changes atop elephants.
- Fireworks displays at night mark key highlights of the festival.
- Devotees participate in prayers and rituals inside the Vadakkunnathan Temple.
Regional Highlights
- Thrissur Pooram is regarded as the Mother of all Poorams in Kerala.
- It unifies ten major temples around Vadakkunnathan Temple for grand celebrations.
- Noted for its unique traditional percussion, elephant processions, and community participation.
History
The festival was organized in the late 18th century by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin, as a unifying celebration for multiple temples. It has evolved to become one of the largest and most vibrant temple festivals in India.
Additional Information
- The festival attracts millions of visitors from across India and the world.
- It showcases the rich cultural heritage and temple rituals of Kerala.
- Organized by the Thrissur Pooram Co-ordination Committee for smooth functioning.