The Thrissur Pooram 2026 festivities officially began on 20 April 2026 with the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony, known as Kodiyettam, at temples across Thrissur, Kerala. The celebrations were organised around the two major participating temples, Thiruvambady Sri Krishna Temple and Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple, along with eight other participating temples.
The Kodiyettam ceremony marks the formal beginning of the festival and is accompanied by traditional rituals, prayers and processions. The main Thrissur Pooram celebration took place on 26 April 2026 at Thekkinkadu Maidanam, near the famous Vadakkunnathan Temple.
The festival is known for its decorated elephants, traditional percussion performances, colourful parasols, temple processions and spectacular fireworks. It is one of Kerala’s most prominent cultural and religious festivals.
Key Highlights of Thrissur Pooram 2026
| Particulars | Details |
| Festival | Thrissur Pooram |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Thrissur |
| Kodiyettam date | 20 April 2026 |
| Main Pooram date | 26 April 2026 |
| Main venue | Thekkinkadu Maidanam |
| Associated temple | Vadakkunnathan Temple |
| Main participating temples | Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu |
| Total participating temples | 10 |
| Founder | Sakthan Thampuran (Raja Rama Varma) |
| Malayalam month | Medam |
| Major attractions | Kodiyettam, Ilanjithara Melam, Kudamattom and fireworks |
What Is the Kodiyettam Ceremony?
Kodiyettam is the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony that marks the beginning of Thrissur Pooram celebrations.
It is conducted at the participating temples in and around Thrissur. The ceremony involves preparing and raising a specially decorated festival flag on a temporary flagpole, accompanied by traditional temple rituals.
Important features of Kodiyettam include:
- It officially announces the beginning of the Pooram festivities.
- Traditional prayers and rituals are performed before the flag is raised.
- A specially prepared flagpole is used for the ceremony.
- The participating temples conduct their ceremonies according to their respective traditions.
- The flag-hoisting ceremony is followed by several days of religious and cultural activities.
At Thiruvambady, the preparation of the traditional flagpole is associated with a hereditary carpenter family. The use of a specially prepared arecanut-tree flagpole is an important part of the traditional arrangements.
Role of Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Temples
Thiruvambady Sri Krishna Temple and Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple are the two principal temples associated with Thrissur Pooram.
They organise the festival’s two major participating groups and play a central role in its processions, rituals and cultural performances.
Thiruvambady Group
The Thiruvambady side includes:
- Thiruvambady Temple
- Kanimangalam Temple
- Laloor Temple
- Ayyanthole Temple
- Neythilakkavu Temple
Paramekkavu Group
The Paramekkavu side includes:
- Paramekkavu Temple
- Karamukku Temple
- Chembukkavu Temple
- Choorakkottukavu Temple
- Panamukkampilly Temple
These two groups participate in the main Pooram celebrations and present elaborate processions, traditional music and decorated elephants.
About Thrissur Pooram
Thrissur Pooram is one of the most famous temple festivals of Kerala. It is celebrated at Thekkinkadu Maidanam, surrounding the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur.
The festival takes place during the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May). Its date is determined according to the traditional Malayalam calendar.
The festival was introduced by Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Kochi, in the late 18th century.
According to historical accounts, several temples from the Thrissur region were once regular participants in the Arattupuzha Pooram. When some temple groups were denied entry after arriving late due to heavy rain, the idea of organising a separate festival at Thrissur gained importance.
Sakthan Thampuran later brought together ten temples around Vadakkunnathan Temple and organised Thrissur Pooram as a major collective celebration.
The festival is now widely recognised for its religious traditions, cultural performances and large public participation.
Major Attractions of Thrissur Pooram
Thrissur Pooram features several traditional events that attract visitors from across India and abroad.
1. Ilanjithara Melam
Ilanjithara Melam is one of the most famous percussion performances of Thrissur Pooram. It is held in the courtyard of Vadakkunnathan Temple and features a large group of traditional musicians.
The performance uses instruments such as:
- Chenda
- Kombu
- Kurumkuzhal
- Elathalam
The coordinated rhythm and musical presentation make it one of the major attractions of the festival.
2. Kudamattom
Kudamattom is the traditional exchange of colourful decorative umbrellas between the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu groups.
Caparisoned elephants stand facing each other while the groups display and exchange beautifully designed parasols. It is among the most recognisable visual features of Thrissur Pooram.
3. Elephant Processions
Decorated elephants form an important part of the Pooram celebrations. The elephants carry the deities or sacred representations during temple processions.
Their traditional ornaments, colourful coverings and ceremonial arrangements contribute to the visual grandeur of the festival.
4. Fireworks (Vedikkettu)
Fireworks are among the major attractions of Thrissur Pooram. The festival includes a sample fireworks display before the main event, followed by the grand fireworks programme.
These displays are an important part of the festival’s traditional celebrations and are subject to safety arrangements and applicable regulations.
5. Pakal Pooram and Farewell Ceremony
Pakal Pooram is associated with the concluding phase of the festival celebrations. The festivities eventually conclude with the traditional farewell ceremony known as Upacharam Cholli Piriyal, when the participating deities ceremonially depart.
Cultural and Social Significance of Thrissur Pooram
Thrissur Pooram represents Kerala’s rich temple traditions, music, craftsmanship and community participation.
Although it is a Hindu temple festival, it attracts people from different communities and backgrounds. Its cultural importance extends beyond religious rituals through its music, processions, traditional arts and public celebrations.
The festival also contributes to local tourism, hospitality, handicrafts and other economic activities in Thrissur.
It is widely regarded as one of the most prominent cultural events in Kerala and is often described as the ‘Mother of All Poorams’.
Conclusion
Thrissur Pooram 2026 began with the traditional Kodiyettam ceremony on 20 April, marking the formal start of the celebrations. Organised around the two principal temples, Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu, the festival brought together ten participating temples for a series of traditional rituals and cultural events.
Introduced by Sakthan Thampuran in the late 18th century, Thrissur Pooram continues to represent Kerala’s religious heritage, traditional music, temple architecture and community participation. Its major attractions include Ilanjithara Melam, Kudamattom, decorated elephant processions and fireworks, making it an important topic for Indian art and culture as well as current affairs.
