This happened a few years ago. It was fun until the fireworks started. We were on top of a building. Beneath us, thousands of people flowed along the Swaraj Round. The place was bathed in light.
We climbed on to the rooftop terrace around 11 pm. We could see the idol being ushered in. Preparations were already on at the Thekkinkadu ground. After a while, the excited cries started. Then we spotted someone carrying a torch light through the darkness. The cries of the people reached a fever pitch. We were near the Paramekkavu camp, where the fireworks are triggered first. We were happy to find a place there.
The fireworks started. After two or three bursts, I covered my ears tight but it was advancing. Our building was close to the trail of the bursts. I started to cry and ducked behind the parapet. I could not go back because a crowd had gathered behind me to watch the fireworks.
I felt as though the building was shivering in the bursts. I could not even hear my screams. There was only blinding light and deafening sound. That was my first Pooram experience.
Yet I returned to the Pooram festivities. That is how we Thrissur people are. We cannot resist being there for the Pooram however we discourage ourselves. If we are held up on the Pooram day, we would go to the venue a couple of days earlier.
I witnessed the Pooram two years ago to write a piece for Manorama. I would not have gone anywhere near the packed Pooram spot but for the help from policemen who let me drive with them in their jeep.
Pooram is a unique experience. More than a thousand percussionists reach Thrissur to perform over two days. Most of them are renowned artistes. Where else can you expect such bliss. That explains why the people brave the scorching sun to listen to them. There are many aged artistes among them. Whenever I meet them somewhere, they speak to me about the Pooram. The festival is nothing short of a pilgrimage for them. They are not bothered by old age or exhaustion.
Pooram is a pilgrimage for spectators, artistes and fireworks technicians.
There are many among us who spent a bomb on watching fireworks abroad. They should watch the Pooram first. Music lovers who wait for big concerts should try the day-and-night percussion treat in Thrissur.
Coming from the land of Pooram is a matter of pride for me. Wherever I go, people ask me about my connections to Pooram. Yes, I am from the land of Pooram and I am a fan of Pooram.
My father puts on the television channel that live telecasts Pooram wherever he is on that day. Our house would be immersed in Panchavadyam and Melam the whole day. We feel like we have reached the Pooram ground.
I have always wondered who composed the works of percussion. They are known for their variety and level of skill. Pooram is a mega show that combines rhythm, music, colours and lights. And that show goes for a day and night. The venues scatter over the town.
Despite the magnitude of Pooram, the artistes do not rehearse their concert and the fireworks are not tested. The show is organised by a people with a single mind.
I was lucky enough to go to many mega shows in the world. Yet I have never seen anything like the Pooram. I enjoy driving through Thrissur on the eve of Pooram, taking in the festoons of electric bulbs and the decorated towers of Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi. That is when I realise that every moment of Pooram has an artist behind it.
I salute each of those artists.
