THRISSUR: Exchanging the parasols of each elephant in a competitive spirit, the most colorful event of Thrissur Pooram, the Kudamattom took place. The event began at 5.30 in the evening. Madathil Varavu, one among the most important events of the Thrissur Pooram, began by 11.30 and it will be followed by the famous Ilanjitthara melam by 2 pm under the tree of Ilanji at the temple which would see the participation of around 300 artists and percussion buffs swaying to the tunes of traditional orchestra.

Thousands, including foreign tourists, assembled at the cultural capital to immerse in the color and chaos of the 36-hour-long colorful Pooram, which will culminate with a massive display of fireworks on Tuesday early morning and the farewell bidding ceremony (Upacharam Chollal) of two major deities of participating temples in the Pooram.