Latest news with #Kudamattom
The Hindu
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Laser light attack on elephants: Devaswom alleges agenda to disrupt Pooram
Paramekkavu Devaswom authorities have raised an allegation that secret lobbies may be working behind the scenes to sabotage the Thrissur Pooram festival by targeting elephants using laser lights. Interacting with mediapersons here after the Pooram, Paramekkavu Devaswom secretary G. Rajesh claimed that laser lights were deliberately pointed to the eyes of elephants during Pooram events, including night parading and Kudamattom. He raised suspicion that such lights might have led to the accident just before the Pooram fireworks in which an elephant ran amok, causing injuries to many. He warned that had such an incident occurred during the Kudamattom it could have caused a massive disaster. Despite strict orders from the district administration against the use of laser lights during Pooram events, people continued to flash them during night-time processions and even during Kudamattom. Mr. Rajesh called for a ban on the sale of laser lights at festival venues and demanded strict action against those using them. He stressed that the ultimate goal of certain groups might be to put an end to the elephant processions.
New Indian Express
05-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Thrissur Pooram a celebration of jumbos, too
THRISSUR: All festivals, irrespective of religious differences, serve as a gathering of people. But it is rare for a festival to also become a gathering of animals, elephants in the case of Thrissur Pooram. Kerala's celebrity tuskers — including Thechikottukavu Ramachandran, Ernakulam Sivakumar, Guruvayur Nandhan and Pambady Rajan — are all set to participate in the pooram this year, attracting jumbo fans to the festival ground. Every year, close to 100 captive elephants of Kerala participate in the rituals associated with the Thrissur Pooram, making it the only opportunity for festival enthusiasts to see and click photographs of such a large number of jumbos. The preparations for jumbos to participate in the annual festival begins early as fitness is of utmost importance. Ernakulam Sivakumar, owned by the Cochin Devaswom Board, will carry the idol of Neythalakavu Bhagavathy, heralding the pooram, at 11am on Monday. When Neythalakavu Bhagavathy opens the Thekke Gopura nada (south gate), the 36-hour pooram ceremonies are kickstarted. On the day of Thrissur Pooram on May 6, Thechikottukavu Ramachandran will carry the idol of Chembukkavu Bhagavathy for the ghataka pooram. Thiruvambady Chandrasekharan will carry the idol of Thiruvambady Bhagavathy for the major pooram rituals including Madathil Varavu and Kudamattom. Guruvayur Nandhan will carry the idol of Paramekkavu Bhagavathy for Elanjithara Melam and Kudamattom. Paramekkavu Kasinathan will also carry the idol of Bhagavathy for other rituals including Arattu. Other prominent jumbos set to participate include Kuttankulangara Arjunan, Puthupally Arjunan, Pallat Brahmadathan, Koodalmanickyam Megharjunan, Bastin Vinayasundar, Thiruvazhapilly Mahadevan, and Thadathavila Rajasekharan.
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
A symphony of colour and craft: Chamayam expos attract huge crowds
The Thrissur Pooram is not just a celebration of sound and spectacle, it is a tapestry of colour, tradition, and meticulous artistry. At the heart of it all are the displays of elephant accoutrements, without which this majestic carnival would feel incomplete. Chamayappuras (exhibition halls of elephant accoutrements) of the Thiruvambady and the Paramekkavu Devaswoms opened in a riot of colour and tradition on Sunday. From early in the morning until late at night, scores of people reached the chamayappuras, drawn by the irresistible charm of the gold-clad elephant ornaments, vibrant parasols, fluttering venchamarams, and rhythmic alavattams. Paramekkavu's majestic line-up took place at Agrashala, while Thiruvambady's resplendent displays unfolded at the Kausthubham Auditorium on Shoranur Road. Inside the halls, resonating with the rhythm of percussion ensembles, the glow of hundreds of lights danced across gleaming nettipattams (elephant headpieces), ornate kolams and colourful silk parasols creating an atmosphere of pure enchantment. The spectacle was not just visual—it was immersive. Parasols decorated in festival themes, the rhythmic jingle of elephant bells, and the scent of tradition hung in the air as people admired every detail. Both groups proudly showcased their regular and special umbrellas, except a few 'secret parasols' that will be kept under wraps until the much-anticipated Kudamattom (umbrella exchange ceremony) on the Pooram day. Until then, the suspense builds. This year, nearly 2,000 umbrellas are being readied for the festival, crafted with an intensity that mirrors the fierce love for colour. Both Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu are preparing over 50 sets each, with 15 umbrellas per set, and an additional range of secret 'special umbrellas'. Visitors flocked both the venues, turning the halls into vibrant hubs of admiration and excitement. Women, children, and the elderly alike gathered, marvelling at the craftsmanship, soaking in the tradition, and snapping selfies in front of the shimmering displays. The exhibition will continue on Monday too, offering one more chance to witness the magic before it moves to the streets under the grandeur of the Pooram skies.
