The months of April and May are known in Kerala as the months of the famous Thrissur Pooram festival. It is one of the oldest and grandest festivals celebrated in the state and will be celebrated on May 6, 2025. With a rich history and immense significance in Hindu mythology, the festival features grand processions, fireworks, and elaborate ceremonies. Here’s all the information you need to know about the Thrissur Pooram Festival 2025.
Thrissur Pooram Festival 2025: Celebrations, Significance, Rituals, And More
Mythological Significance of Thrissur Pooram
According to Hindu mythology, Thrissur was believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva in South India, popularly known as Virshahchala and Kailasa. The term ‘Thrissur’ is derived from the word ‘Thiru-Shiva-Perur’, translating to the City of the Sacred Shiva.
Legends say that some devotees couldn’t make it on time to the grand Arattupuzha festival, one of the oldest Pooram festivals in Kerala. The then-ruler of Thrissur, Sakthan Thampuran, then organized another festival that was grander than the former.
Thrissur Pooram Festival 2025: When And Where Is It Celebrated
The festival is celebrated on Pooram day — a day when the moon is said to enter the Pooram star in the month of Medam (April-May) in the Malayalam calendar. Thrissur Pooram and all its festivities take place in the Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur.
Devotees from all across Kerala as well as South India make their way to the Vadakkumnathan Temple to attend the Thrissur Pooram festival. The festival began as a way to unite devotees and has, over the years, evolved to be an extravagant affair in the cultural fabric of Kerala.
How Thrissur Pooram Is Celebrated
The Thrissur Pooram Festival 2025 begins with a flag-hoisting ceremony. The announcement is made using fireworks where the first round of fireworks is known as Vedikettu. Moreover, every year, new decorations are made for the festival.
Festivities begin early in the morning with the Madathil Varavu ceremony. More than 200 artists play musical instruments on the temple premises. After the musical performance, the festival proceeds towards a grand procession. This is one of the most important ceremonies of this festival. Over 200 artists come together and play musical instruments on the temple premises. Following this is the most awaited grand procession. There is also an interesting ceremony that takes place during this festival. Two groups of devotees – people from Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu. They participate in the procession, face each other, and exchange ornaments in a ceremony known as Kudamattam.
As the procession comes to an end, another round of fireworks takes place. The festival concludes with the Punacharam Cholli Piriyal festival. This is the ceremony when idols of the different deities go back to their respective temples.
Summing Up
Thrissur Pooram 2025 is a grand celebration in Kerala that is also one of the oldest in the state. With exciting rituals and cultural significance, the festival is celebrated with great zeal every year in Kerala. If you’re in the state during this time, make sure to attend the festivities!
FAQs
Which Is The Biggest Festival Of Kerala?
Onam is thought to be the biggest festival of Kerala. However, Thrissur Pooram is also a major festival celebrated within the state.
How Old Is Thrissur Pooram?
Thrissur Pooram is said to be over 200 years old, with many sources claiming that it originated in 1798.
Who Is The God Of Thrissur?
Lord Shiva is considered to be the presiding deity of the festivities of Thrissur Pooram and the town. In fact, the term ‘Thrissur’ is derived from the word ‘Thiru-Shiva-Perur’, translating to the City of the Sacred Shiva.
