The most colorful temple festival of Kerala, Thrissur Pooram, attracts large masses of devotees and spectators from all part of the state and Globe

Celebrated in Medom (April-May) it consists of processions of rich caparisoned elephants from various neighboring temples to the Vadakunnatha Temple. The most impressive processions are those from the Krishna Temple at Thiruvambadi and the Devi Temple at Paramekkavu, both situated in the town itself. This festival was introduced by Shaktan Thampuran, the Maharaja of erstwhile Kochi state. The Pooram festival is also well know for the magnificent display of fireworks. It is celebrated by two rival groups representing the two divisions of Trissur, Paramekavu and Thiruvambadi with each other in making the display of fireworks grander and more colorful. Each group is allowed to display a maximum of fifteen elephants and all efforts are made by each party to secure the best elephants in South India and the most artistic parasols, several kinds of which are raised on the elephant during the display. The commissioning of elephants and parasols is done in the utmost secrecy by each party to excel the other. Commencing in the early hours in the morning, the celebrations last till the break of dawn, the next day.

Of the rival groups participating in the program, the most important ones are those from Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi. At the close of the Pooram both these groups enter the temple through the western gates and come out through the southern gate to array themselves, face to face, one from the round and other from the Municipal Office Road. This spectacle is highly enchanting. Although this grand festival is know as Trissur Pooram, it is in fact the conclusion of the eight day Utsavam (Festival)of nine temples.

The procession of the Thiruvambadi Pooram to the grounds of Vadakkunnatha Temple and back is not only important, but also quite enlivening. The marvelous as well as magical effect of the Panchavadyam, a combination of five percussion and wind instruments is to be felt and enjoyed.