Thrissur's Pooram Festival attracts hundreds of devotees, tourists

Thrissur (Kerala), May 1 (ANI): Devotees as well as tourists in large numbers have converged in Thrissur in Kerala to witness and take part in the colourful Pooram Festival.

In this annual festival, caparisoned elephants are the main attraction.

Sharing her views with the media on Tuesday, British tourist Quincott Fray termed the Thrissur Pooram as a beautiful and memorable experience.

"I am really having a marvellous time here seeing your Pooram and seeing these lovely elephants and festivities. You have a really great festival and a lovely city here," said Fray.

Artistes from the various parts of state also entertained the visitors with their performances.

As part of the festival, the caparisoned elephants pass through the streets of Thrissur before reaching the Vadakkunnathan Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

According to custom, over 100 caparisoned elephants take part in the public processions and during the culmination, known as Kudamattam.

The Pooram Festival is celebrated every year between late April and mid May, known as the month of Medam, in the Malayalam almanac.

King Sakthan Thampuran of the erstwhile Kochi kingdom of the state in the late 18th century is believed to have commenced the Pooram festival on a mass scale. (ANI)