Latest news with #Elanjithara
New Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Elanjithara melam casts a spell on thousands
THRISSUR: As thousands waved their hands to the rhythm of the melam, Kizhakkoot Aniyan Marar took his mastery of the chenda to another level, casting a spell on the audience. For the past several years, the shade of the Elanji tree inside the Sree Vadakkumnathan temple has been a meeting point for many prominent personalities in Kerala. On Tuesday, Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan, Revenue Minister K Rajan, and other leaders from the three political fronts were seen enjoying the world's largest ensemble of percussion instruments. This year, the pooram ceremonies stuck to the schedule, making it easier for people to plan the day. Usually, the Elanjithara melam ends close to 5pm, delaying the kudamattom. To avoid such a situation, this year, the melam ended at 4.30pm, which helped in moving the elephants for thekkottirakkam without delay.
New Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Kudamattom rings in colours, vibrant fervour
THRISSUR: As the setting sun painted the sky colourful, the Thekke Gopura Nada (south tower gate) of the Sree Vadakkumnatham temple presented one of the most spectacular of sights — kudamattom. The changing of umbrellas, in a competitive but fun mode, forms the most popular segment of Thrissur Pooram. And on Tuesday, people from all walks of life united in spirit to watch the show of colour and art as two sets of 15 elephants each — from the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu devaswoms — stood facing each other at Thekkinkadu Maidan, the green hub in the centre of the city. As the percussion performances picked up, the enthusiasts had one hand up in the air, capturing the rhythm of the melam. Union Minister Suresh Gopi, Revenue Minister K Rajan, Higher Education Minister R Bindu, Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan, District Collector Arjun Pandian, and caricaturist Jayaraj Warrier were among the prominent personalities in attendance. They walked around mingling with people, with no special consideration, and immersing themselves completely in enjoying the festivities. A massive crowd was witness to the kudamattam which began at 5.45pm, taking the festive spirit to its zenith. At the conclusion of the Elanjithara melam, Paramekkavu Bhagavathy — the deity being carried by tusker Ernakulam Sivakumar — came out of the Vadakkumnathan temple through the southern entrance for the thekkottirakkam. Accompanied by rhythmic panchari melam, Paramekkavu Bhagavathy took a round of the Sakthan statue and returned for the kudamattom. By the time the Paramekkavu Devaswom was ready for the kudamattom, the Thiruvambady Devaswom had completed its Madathil Varavu pandi melam and entered the Vadakkumnathan temple. Despite the intense summer heat, people took in the spirit of the festival, letting out loud cheers for each decorative umbrella raised by the two teams.
