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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.
PROGRAM:
| 09
May 2003 |
Arrive Cochin
Airport. Upon arrival meet and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon
half day sightseeing tour of Cochin. |
| 10
May 2003 |
After breakfast
leave by airconditioned car/coach to Trissur. Arrive and check-in to
your hotel. Rest of the day participate in the festival and
celebrations. |
| 11
May 2003 |
After lunch leave
by coach to Cochin enroute visit Guruvayur Temple area including the
Elephant Camp. Arrive and check-in at the Hotel. |
| 12
May 2003 |
Transfer to
Airport to connect your onward flight. |
| Note: Pre and post tours available on
request: |
Cost: US$ 265.00 per person share double
room
Includes:
- accommodation in first class hotels (Cost for Deluxe and Budget
hotels on request)
- all meals starting with lunch on 09th May and ending with
breakfast on 12th May.
- english speaking guide
- ac transport
Excludes:
- all personal expenses such as telephone, laundry, drinks, tipping
etc
- items other than mentioned above.
Experience this
unique festival, a must for once in a life time.
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