About Thrissur Pooram
- Cultural significance: Thrissur Pooram is a grand festival showcasing Kerala’s cultural and spiritual essence.
- It is celebrated annually in the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May) at the Thekkinkadu Maidanam in Thrissur.
- Often referred to as the “mother of all Poorams”, it is one of the largest temple festivals in Kerala.
- Historical origin: Initiated by Raja Rama Varma, famously known as Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin (1790–1805).
- Features the participation of 10 different temples, replacing the earlier Arattupuzha Pooram, which was Kerala’s largest festival before Thrissur Pooram.
- Key highlights:
- Majestic elephants, adorned in traditional attire, are a central attraction.
- Traditional orchestra music (Panchavadyam) adds vibrancy to the festival.
Kerala High Court Directives
- The High Court issued guidelines aimed at ensuring the safety of elephants, the public, and artists during the festival.
- Key directives included:
- Minimum distance requirements are 3 metres between two elephants, 8 metres between elephants and the public or percussion displays, and a 100 metres buffer zone near areas of fireworks usage.
- Rest period: Elephants must have a minimum of three days’ rest between public appearances.
Q1: Who was Raja Rama Varma?
Raja Rama Varma, also known as Shakthan Thampuran, was a notable ruler of the Kingdom of Cochin (reigned 1790–1805). He is remembered for his administrative reforms, promotion of trade and commerce, and efforts to modernize the state. He played a key role in strengthening Cochin’s economy and ensuring political stability during his rule.
News: HT
Last updated on Dec 26, 2024
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