THRISSUR: Raising his trunk after opening the south tower gate of Vadakkunnathan, tusker Ernakulam Sivakumar carrying the idol of Kuttoor Neyithalakavilamma announced the arrival of Thrissur Pooram.
Today is the day of the renowned Thrissur Pooram featuring percussion performances, kudamatton and a firecracker display. The rain that started at around 4pm on Saturday raised concern, but there was no shortage of excitement.
Pooram will begin when Kanimangalam Shasthav reaches Vadakkunnathan at 7.30 am accompanied by 'panchavadya' and 'pandi melam'. The 'madathil varavu' panchavadyam will be at 11:30 p.m. After the pandi melam at Sreemulasthanam, Thiruvambadi Bhagavathy will reach Vadakunnathan. At 12.15 p.m., the procession will start at Paramekkavu in the presence of 15 elephants.. The elanjithara melam of about 250 artists led by the Kizhakkoott Aniyanmars is held at at two o'clock.'Thekkottu Irakkam' will be at 5pm. Paramekkav Bhagavathy will stand facing the south tower, flanking the king's statue in front of the corporation. By then Thiruvambadi will reach in front of Bhagavathy Gopuram.
The meeting of Bhagwathis and kudamattom will be witnessed by lakhs of people by 6 pm. Bhagwathis will return after kudamattom at seven o'clock. Fireworks will be held from three to five on Monday morning. By 1 pm, 'pakalpuram' will bid adieu at Sreemulasthanam.