Thrissur Pooram, in a unique gesture of communal
harmony and goodwill brings together people from all religion and faith
The world renowned Thrissur Pooram, popularly known as the mother of all poorams is here and like the previous years, the people of Thrissur are all geared up to celebrate it in a grand manner.
The most remarkable facet of Pooram is its secular nature. Regardless of religion, all communities actively participate and play a prominent role in each and every part of the festival. “The Mahabali-ruled land concept of caste/ creed no bar, is applicable here also. Pooram is a chance for people of all religion and caste to pay a visit to Lord Shiva, popularly known as Vakakkum Nathan, at the famous Thekkinkadu grounds,” says Jayaraj Warrier, prominent film and television artist.
For the past few decades, Christians and Muslims equally partake in the festive preparations. While Christian artisans have been involved in crafting and making decorative umbrellas, a few Muslim artisans are involved in the illumination works and building the decorative pandals for Pooram. In fact, the materials for the umbrellas for ‘Kudamattom’ are offered every year by some of the churches in Thrissur.
CMS Higher Secondary school, Thrissur, associated with a church provides space for keeping the elephants, which are later paraded for the festival. According to M N Ramachandran, headmaster, until last year, ana chamayam (exhibition of elephant decorations), used to be on display at the school grounds. “But this year, owing to unavailability of space, it has been moved to a different arena.
However, the illumination works and arrangements for the accommodation of musicians are done on the school premises. To this day, the 15 elephants of Thiruvambady temple are fed and accommodated on the school grounds till the day of pooram,” recollects Ramachandran, who has been serving the 130 year old school for the past 32 years.
Regardless of religion, Thrissur pooram is celebrated with equal gusto by people from all religious sects. Thrissur based businessman, Sony Varghese Cheeran, has been attending the Pooram for the last 8-9 years and plans not to miss it this year too. “What attracts me the most is the electrifying crowd and the beautifully decorated elephants, which are a sight to behold. The synchronisation of rhythmic sound from ilanjithara melam is a thrilling experience,” says Cheeran.
Pooram for Warrier is a music festival of sorts, with music, sound and colour, all blended together, in a pure art that is classic in nature. Paul Babu, a hotelier based in Thrissur couldn’t agree more. “What makes pooram truly festive is its secular nature. For us thrissurites, pooram is just like Onam or Diwali, never looked at it as a Hindu festival.
The overwhelming crowd, the grandeur of kudamattam, fantastic display of fireworks make the pooram a visual treat you don’t want to miss,” adds Babu.
“We all know that Thrissur pooram was conceived as a secular festival by erstwhile king Shakthan Thampuran, and to this day, the rituals and traditions have remained the same. It is a matter of pride for every Malayali and they participate as well as contribute handsomely to make this festival a grand one,” concludes Warrier.
The world renowned Thrissur Pooram, popularly known as the mother of all poorams is here and like the previous years, the people of Thrissur are all geared up to celebrate it in a grand manner.
The most remarkable facet of Pooram is its secular nature. Regardless of religion, all communities actively participate and play a prominent role in each and every part of the festival. “The Mahabali-ruled land concept of caste/ creed no bar, is applicable here also. Pooram is a chance for people of all religion and caste to pay a visit to Lord Shiva, popularly known as Vakakkum Nathan, at the famous Thekkinkadu grounds,” says Jayaraj Warrier, prominent film and television artist.For the past few decades, Christians and Muslims equally partake in the festive preparations. While Christian artisans have been involved in crafting and making decorative umbrellas, a few Muslim artisans are involved in the illumination works and building the decorative pandals for Pooram. In fact, the materials for the umbrellas for ‘Kudamattom’ are offered every year by some of the churches in Thrissur.
CMS Higher Secondary school, Thrissur, associated with a church provides space for keeping the elephants, which are later paraded for the festival. According to M N Ramachandran, headmaster, until last year, ana chamayam (exhibition of elephant decorations), used to be on display at the school grounds. “But this year, owing to unavailability of space, it has been moved to a different arena. However, the illumination works and arrangements for the accommodation of musicians are done on the school premises. To this day, the 15 elephants of Thiruvambady temple are fed and accommodated on the school grounds till the day of pooram,” recollects Ramachandran, who has been serving the 130 year old school for the past 32 years.
Regardless of religion, Thrissur pooram is celebrated with equal gusto by people from all religious sects. Thrissur based businessman, Sony Varghese Cheeran, has been attending the Pooram for the last 8-9 years and plans not to miss it this year too. “What attracts me the most is the electrifying crowd and the beautifully decorated elephants, which are a sight to behold. The synchronisation of rhythmic sound from ilanjithara melam is a thrilling experience,” says Cheeran.
The overwhelming crowd, the grandeur of kudamattam, fantastic display of fireworks make the pooram a visual treat you don’t want to miss,” adds Babu.
“We all know that Thrissur pooram was conceived as a secular festival by erstwhile king Shakthan Thampuran, and to this day, the rituals and traditions have remained the same. It is a matter of pride for every Malayali and they participate as well as contribute handsomely to make this festival a grand one,” concludes Warrier.
sherene.joseph@timesgroup.com
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