Kudamattom is perhaps the most colourful event of Thrissur Pooram, the famed festival of Kerala. Kudamattom is a competitive display of decorated parasols atop caparisoned elephants by Paaramekkavu and Thiruvambadi; the two friendly rival participating temples of the pooram.

Months before the festival the two groups start making the parasols (Muthukkuda in local parlance) in every possible fashion and colour. Made of silk and satin the parasols will be laced with white metal and sequins. The ceremony in which these long stemmed glittering umbrellas are exchanged is a sight of fabulous beauty. Traditional temple orchestra is another attraction during the event.

Thrissur pooram is held at the premises of Vadakkumnathan temple in the heart of Thrissur town. Apart from Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu, festivities at seven other temples too constitute the majestic Thrissur pooram. The festivities at these temples are collectively called Cherupooram, inevitable for the grandeur of the great pooram. The Thrissur pooram is held in the month of Medam (April-May) according to the Malayalam calendar.