The iconic Thrissur Pooram is incomplete without the mega 'vedikettu' or the colourful fireworks display. Meanwhile, the 'sample vedikettu’ that shows glimpses of the latest discoveries in the art of fireworks will be held at 7 pm on April 17. The Paramekkavu temple side would inaugurate the display followed by Thiruvambadi. The former has been allowed to perform the sample vedikettu from 7 pm to 9 pm while the latter would light up the skies from 7 pm to 8.30 pm.
Crackers would be burst continuously for the first twenty minutes by both teams. It would be followed by the most awaited 'amittu' (fireworks) that burst into colourful sparks in the sky. Olapadakkam, gundu and kuzhiminnal are some of the fireworks that will be tried in the sample vedikettu tomorrow. Interestingly, this year, the same licensee will be handling the fireworks display for both Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi. It is for the first time in the history of Pooram that the same person would handle the vedikettu for both teams. PM Satheesh, a native of Mundathikodu has earned this special privilege.
Meanwhile, Pooram lovers are sure that the excitement and thrill of the festivities won’t diminish even if the licensee is the same. The preparations for the sample vedikettu are progressing at the Vadakkunathan temple premises. Arrangements have been made to secure the fireworks and crackers in case it rains. Besides, a special team of officers and experts will inspect the venue and the store room, today and tomorrow, to ensure safety. This year too, the district administration has made the necessary arrangements including controlling traffic for the public to view the vedikettu from the Swaraj Round. Besides, people have been banned from viewing the vedikettu from atop old buildings which could be dangerous.
Fireworks inspired by pop culture
The ‘Premalu’ special amittu that bursts into a heart shape in the sky is this year’s highlight. Besides, there will also be the ‘guna cave’ that bursts in the sky and then slips downwards, inspired by the hit Malayalam film Manjummel Boys. An amittu called ‘Gaganyan’ too would be part of the fireworks display this year.
Main vedikettu on April 20
The main vedikettu of Thrissur Pooram would happen at the wee hours on April 20. Paramekkavu would be performing from 3 am to 6 am while Thiruvambadi has been allotted 3 am to 5 am. Meanwhile, the firework display as part of the Pakal Pooram (day Pooram) would be held on April 21. Paramekkavu’s vedikettu is from 11.30 am to 2 pm while Thiruvambadi’s is from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm.
