THRISSUR: Thrissur Pooram started with the ceremonial entrance of Kanimangalam Sastha through the southern gopuram at 7.30 am, followed by the arrival of other cherupoorams. Kanimangalam Sashtha is the first among the elemental poorams. The belief is that Kanimangalam Sashtha should reach poora sannidhi before the sun rises. That is why the pooram of Kanimangalam Sastha leaves very early. Kanimangalam Sastha enters accompanied by seven elephants.

Soon after Karamukku Bhagavathy, Panamukkampalli Sastha, Ayyanthole Bhagavathy, Lalur Bhagavathy and many others will enter the sannidhi of Vadukkumnathan. Madathil Varavu, one of the major events is at 11 am. Then starts the Ilanjithara melam inside the Vadakkumnathan Temple, consisting of drum, trumpets, pipe and cymbal.

After Ilanjithara melam, both Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi groups enter the temple through the western gate, come out through the southern gate and array themselves face to face in distant places. The two groups in the presence of melam exchange colourful and crafted umbrellas competitively at the top of the elephants, called Kudamattom, which is the eye-catching attraction of the pooram. Tight security has been beefed up. More than 3500 police men have been deployed in the area. As many as 1000 CCTV cameras have been installed.