Thrissur Pooram 2025: The Met Gala of Elephants, Fireworks, and Drum Battles
isn't just hosting a festival—it's dropping the hottest invite-only (but actually open-to-all) party South India has to offer:
Thrissur Pooram
. Think Coachella, but with less glitter and way more percussion.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
It's that annual moment when tradition puts on its biggest gold-trimmed shades and says, 'Let's get loud.'
Set in the cultural nucleus of Thrissur, this celestial showdown isn't just about religious devotion—it's about flexing festival muscle.
Two temples, Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady, face off like it's the
Pitch Perfect
finals, except instead of acapella, it's thunderous
chenda melam
drum orchestras, capped with a literal explosion of color and noise that makes Times Square on New Year's Eve look like a tea party.
The elephants? Oh, they're not just there for a walk. These tusked titans are decked out like they're attending the Oscars—except their tux is 24-karat golden nettipattams (head ornaments) and fans waving in synchronized choreography. Picture a crossover episode between
The Crown
and
The Jungle Book
—it's regal, it's wild, it's everything.
And the fireworks? NASA called. They want their launchpads back. The pyrotechnic warfare kicks off in the middle of the night and could wake the ghosts of ancient kings.
It's visual chaos, the kind that makes Michael Bay's entire filmography look understated.
But beyond the glitz and audible tremors, Thrissur Pooram is the epitome of
unity in diversity
. Temples, communities, and artists blend in harmony, proving once again that when Kerala decides to throw a party, it doesn't just raise the roof—it launches it into the stratosphere.
Anyone still unsure about attending should know this: skipping Thrissur Pooram is like skipping the final episode of
Breaking Bad
—technically legal, but spiritually unforgivable.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Leonardo DiCaprio gets playful spanking from Vittoria Ceretti during PDA-packed yacht getaway
Leonardo DiCaprio, 50, and Italian model Vittoria Ceretti, 27, were spotted in one of their most intimate outings yet, enjoying a sun-soaked yacht trip off Formentera in Spain's Balearic Islands. In exclusive photos obtained by the Daily Mail, the Oscar-winning actor was seen shirtless in a black swimsuit while Ceretti was stunned in a leopard-print two-piece swimsuit. Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti were holidaying in Spain's Balearic Islands(AP) Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti's PDA packed vacation The couple, according to Daily Mail, were inseparable, kissing passionately on deck, diving into the sparkling sea with snorkeling masks, and even shared a playful moment as Ceretti affectionately tapped DiCaprio on the buttocks while climbing the yacht's stairs. Also Read: Leonardo DiCaprio reveals the ONLY movie from his filmography that he loves rewatching: Read on! Though DiCaprio and Ceretti were first linked in summer 2023 when they were spotted eating ice cream in Los Angeles, they have largely kept their relationship private. Until now, their only known PDA moments came during Coachella. According to another Yahoo report, the yacht trip marked the first time fans had seen the couple fully embracing in public. The report quoted sources saying the pair was 'glued to one another' as they soaked up the sun, swam side by side, and explored the luxury yacht together. Leonardo DiCaprio's 'dad bod' and Vittoria Ceretti's verdict The sight of Leonardo's 'dad bod', slimmed down compared to previous years, drew attention online. Insiders told Daily Mail that Vittoria Ceretti is not fazed by critics. One source was quoted as saying that the Killers of the Flower Moon actor does not have many complaints in life. 'He and Vittoria are in a good place,' the source said, and added that Ceretti would rather be with the Oscar winner over someone with zero body fat and no intelligence. Another insider added that DiCaprio, who often fluctuates in weight for movie roles, simply laughs off criticism about his physique. Vittoria Ceretti breaks silence over her relationship with DiCaprio According to the Yahoo report, earlier this year, Ceretti gave rare insight into their relationship during an interview in Vogue France. She admitted that dating someone 'very, very famous' comes with drawbacks. She said that when one is in a relationship with someone with a larger following than themselves, they get tagged as 'partner of'. 'And that can be extremely annoying,' she added. Despite the challenges, those close to the couple said the relationship became serious quickly, with DiCaprio described as being 'besotted' by the Italian beauty. The yacht getaway comes shortly after DiCaprio caused some controversy by telling Esquire magazine that he emotionally feels like he's in his early 30s. When director Paul Thomas Anderson asked him how old he feels, DiCaprio quickly replied, 'Thirty-two.' With his romance with Ceretti, who is 23 years younger, the actor seems unaffected by age discussions. He appears more focused on enjoying his high-profile relationship, the Yahoo report added. FAQs What is the age difference between Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti? There is a 23-year age gap. DiCaprio is 50, while Ceretti is 27. Has Leonardo DiCaprio ever dated someone over 25? Yes. Though he is often teased for dating women under 25, Ceretti, at 27, breaks that pattern. Has Leonardo DiCaprio ever dated a 19-year-old? Yes. In the past, DiCaprio has been linked to models as young as 19, which has contributed to long-running public jokes about his dating preferences.
New Indian Express
6 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Denzel Washington on cancel culture: 'You can't be cancelled if you haven't signed up…'
Denzel Washington has made it clear he isn't losing sleep over cancel culture. While promoting his upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest alongside director Spike Lee, Washington was asked by Complex News if he ever worries about being 'cancelled.' The two-time Oscar winner paused and asked, 'What does that mean — to be cancelled?' When the interviewer, Jillian Hardeman-Webb, explained that it meant losing public support, Washington quickly shot back, 'Who cares? What made public support so important to begin with?' Hardeman-Webb noted that 'followers now are currency', prompting Washington to deliver a firm response: 'I don't care who's following whom. You can't lead and follow at the same time, and you can't follow and lead at the same time. I don't follow anybody. I follow the heavenly spirit. I follow God; I don't follow man. I have faith in God. I have hope in man, but look around; it isn't working out so well.' He went on to add, 'You can't be cancelled if you haven't signed up. Don't sign up.' Stretching his arms out and laughing, Washington joked to Lee, 'Don't get me started. You know, my chest is getting tight talking about it.' Washington has long expressed a similar disregard for public validation. In an earlier interview with journalist Jake Hamilton on Jake's Takes, he said he doesn't act for awards. 'I don't do it for the Oscars. I really don't care about that kind of stuff,' he admitted. Reflecting on his decades-long career, he added, 'There are times when I've won, shouldn't have won, didn't win, and should have won. Man gives the award. God gives the reward. I'm not that interested in the Oscars. People say, 'Well, where do you keep it?' I say, 'Next to the other one.'' Washington concluded, 'I'm not bragging. I'm just telling you how I feel about it. On my last day, it isn't going to do me a bit of good.'
Economic Times
18 hours ago
- Economic Times
Pin it to win it: The brooch makes a bold comeback
Synopsis Brooches are experiencing a significant revival, particularly among men, driven by a desire for individuality and self-expression. This resurgence is fueled by red carpet visibility, vintage culture, and a craving for pieces with personal meaning and history. Designers note increased demand and experimentation in brooch placement, transforming them into versatile accessories and wearable art. TIL Creatives Representative Image In a July 2025 article in The Financial Times , Frank Everett, Sotheby's vice chair of jewellery, proclaimed that the brooch is back. Everett has been talking about the return of the brooch for a decade now but this time round, he says, it is legit. Even as you remain skeptical, there's one area that the brooch seems to have pinned its hopes on: the men's suits. The Met Gala 2025 was a parade of brooches as attendees pinned the theme 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' with a brooch. Punctuating most of the slick lapels, stylists called it the breakout trend of the night. At the Oscars again, brooches were front and and image consultant Rishi Raj—a self-confessed brooch addict— says that brooches are having a moment because people are craving individuality, especially men, who are finally embracing adornment in a big way. He says, 'For men, a brooch is the perfect gateway into jewellery. It's less intimidating than wearing a necklace or earrings.' The red carpet visibility has also created acceptability. International jewellery houses are keen to bring men into the jewellery fold, a reason why we see brooches on the red carpet. But brooches have been around since the Bronze Age when men used pins of flint or metal to fasten cloaks and tunics. By the 19th century, they were worn purely for historians note that brooches went out of style in the 1960s. Of late, though, editorials are full of 'ten ways to wear a brooch' hacks. Jewellery designer Roma Narsinghani, who founded her eponymous label in 2018, says brooches today are more than just a fashion trend, they're a cultural mood. People want pieces that tell a story and connects them to something bigger, she notes. 'Brooches have been part of so many traditions: royal regalia in Europe, ceremonial pins in Asia, talismans in different cultures. They've always carried meaning, and I think right now, that's what people are craving—objects that feel personal and storied.' Narsinghani also attributes the rise to men wanting to experiment with personal style. To tackle damaging a garment, she reintroduced button covers, something you used to see back in the 50s. This can also help you double your brooches as buttons. 'If I look back from 2019 to now, there's def i nitely more openness to wearing brooches, and across genders.'Kolkata-based jewellery designer Eina Ahluwalia has noticed an uptick in demand for her monogram brooches. 'Jewellery is experiencing a vintage mood revival. Brooches are feeling fresh again, and they are the perfect gender-neutral accessory.' Ahluwalia says they get requests for customised brooches. 'I see a lot of people adding brooches to their bags, and I find that much more interesting than hanging a Labubu!' Even Tribe Amrapali, a brand known for traditional jewellery, has noticed a steady growth in this category. CEO Akanksha Arora says many factors are at play: first, the way we look at jewellery is changing—it's now about self-expression; second, vintage culture is having a strong moment; people want pieces with history, or at least something that feels like it could be passed accessories designer Paulami Saha works with fabrics but started making brooches to repurpose textile waste. 'I hadn't imagined that there existed an audience who might shy away from traditional jewellery, yet embrace brooches as their signature statement. This was a revelation.' The dog and cat designs are their current says brooches are a playful accessory that can turn any outfit into a conversation starter. Kanika Suri, director of Noida-based premium accessories label Tossido, says 2025 has seen a significant revival in brooches. 'For us, the shift started post-Covid,' she says. It's not about only the big pieces but there's a lot of creativity around placement and layering. Their bestsellers are the animal brooches, enamel and studded florals, and pins with brooches range from Rs 699 to Rs 2,259. The choice of brooch depends on what you are wearing. Co-director Raghav Suri says, 'A bandhgala often calls for more classic, vintage-style brooches, while you can wear quirky ones over a casual blazer.'Vandana M Jagwani, founder, Vandals and creative director of Mahesh Notandass, says the brooch revival is rooted in history and puts men front and centre of wearing jewellery—something they did quite regularly traditionally. She adds, 'At the moment, men seem to be embracing brooches more than women. However, wearing a brooch every day still feels a bit 'extra' for most.'But that 'extra' is what Raj says will make a powerful style statement as he calls them 'little personality injections'. Brooches are surprisingly versatile. His advice? For work, pick sleek, small, geometric shapes or initials and place on your blazer lapel, shirt placket, or the base of a tie knot. For evenings, go for oversized florals, gem-encrusted pieces, or sculptural designs or layer two smaller ones together. For daily wear, go for quirky or personalised pins on denim jackets, sweaters, or tote straps. He says: 'Always pin through a reinforced area like a lapel, seam, or double layer of fabric to prevent sagging or damage. For heavy brooches, add a backing disc or hidden safety pin inside the garment for support.' The modern brooch is a free spirit: you can wear it on your shirts, waistbands, cinch or gather fabric on dresses or tunics, on any headgear and even clipped to chains, Raj says. Vinayak Modani, founder of Jaipurbased contemporary accessories brand Milk & Whisky, says people seek quirky picks with something unique like their stock market pin with a bull fighting a bear. He says, 'One should invest in a brooch box with a mix of brooches in various sizes and finishes.' What excites Arora is the trend of layering multiple brooches together like curating your own mini gallery on your outfit. Her tip: 'Start your collection with versatile, mediumsized pieces that work with multiple outfits. A classic floral, a geometric form, and something with a pop of colour make a great starter set.' Raj calls them wearable art—they don't need sizing and transcend trends. His starter pack would include something classic (gold, silver, gemstone); something statement (oversized, sculptural) and something quirky/ personal. Looks for quality clasps and solid construction, he says that people are getting much more experimental with how they wear brooches—on shirt collars, sari pleats, belts, hats, handbags, even on the back of a Raj says, 'The brooch was always underrated.' It's time to pin it up.
