Thrissur Pooram Elephant Procession Fireworks Kerala Festival

Thrissur Pooram, held annually at the Vadakkumnathan temple in April-May, is Kerala most spectacular temple festival, considered the mother of all Poorams. Fifteen richly caparisoned elephants from the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu devaswoms assemble at the Swaraj Round, bearing golden umbrellas, yak-tail whisks, and peacock fans in a choreographed percussion performance by over 100 Chenda and Madhalam drummers. The festival climaxes at midnight with a spectacular fireworks (vedikettu) display that lasts six hours. Thrissur Pooram elephant mahout cooperative manages the welfare of 30 temple elephants year-round. The festival draws 1 million visitors and generates 500 crore rupees in local tourism economy.