Thrissur Pooram, the internationally famed temple festival of Kerala unfolds every year on the premises of Vadakkumnathan temple in Thrissur (former Trichur) district of Kerala, India.

A friendly rivalry
Nine temples are participants of this grand festival. However the most celebrated participants are the Paramekkavu Bhagavathy temple and Thiruvambadi Sree Krishna temple. The two vie each other to present their best in all events associated with the festival.

Kudamattam
A colourful part of this grand festival is the Kudamattam ceremony which takes place in the evening of the big day of the festival. This is a competitive display of decorated parasols atop caparisoned elephants by the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples.

Percussion ensembles and special rituals also add to the charm of the festival.