Kerala's Grand Thrissur Pooram Festival Returns

Kerala is set to commemorate Thrissur Pooram, a spectacular 36-hour festival renowned as the 'mother of all Poorams.' This celebration will officially begin on April 27, 2026, with the Pooram Nakshatram concluding on the same day at 9:18 PM, having started the previous evening.

The Vadakunnathan temple in Thrissur serves as the central venue for this vibrant event, which traditionally occurs during the Malayalam month of Medam when the moon aligns with the Pooram Nakshatram. The festival honors Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the temple.

Originally introduced in the late 18th century by Shakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin, Thrissur Pooram has evolved into a major religious and cultural spectacle. It is celebrated with immense fervor, featuring elaborate temple traditions, classical percussion performances, and breathtaking fireworks.

A key highlight of Thrissur Pooram is the ceremonial assembly of deities from numerous local temples. The festival is famous for its grand elephant processions, where adorned elephants march, carrying idols of deities, to the Vadukunnathan temple, creating a mesmerizing visual display for thousands of local and international devotees.