Thrissur Pooram 2026: Festivity with sensitivity, honouring lost lives
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Amid lingering memories of 15 people who lost their lives at the Mundathikode fireworks unit tragedy on April 21, this year's Thrissur Pooram festival honoured the lost lives with toned-down celebrations. A pooram without fireworks and a year marked with a 15-minute kudamattam (display of decorative umbrellas) ceremony, the festival braved the hot summer of Kerala with grace. For the lovers of the fiesta, attending the festival in itself seemed to be a healing experience. The madhathil varavu panchavadyam, led by Kongad Madhu and ilanjitharamelam, under the aegis of Kizhakoottu Aniyan Marar, offered Thrissur a few moments of respectful escape from the tragedy that unfolded just a few days ago. Here are a few highlights from the Thrissur Pooram celebrations and rituals.
Safety arrangements
As many as 350 CCTV cameras were installed at key locations as part of security arrangements. Women police personnel, along with senior officers, were deployed to ensure safety and effective crowd management. The Forest and Animal Husbandry Departments were entrusted with ensuring compliance with the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules. Precautionary measures were taken during the deployment of elephants and in the overall arrangements for the ceremonial processions.
Heatwave precautions
Given the possibility of a heatwave in the district, the Collector had urged those attending the Pooram to take appropriate precautions. The public was advised to carry drinking water, hats, and umbrellas. Registration was also mandatory for drinking water distribution. Individuals and voluntary organisations distributing drinking water and food items at the festival venue had obtained mandatory food safety registration. The public was also advised to carry sufficient drinking water due to the prevailing high temperatures.
Three special health squads were deployed to ensure the provision of hygienic food and safe drinking water for the large crowds at the festival. The Corporation squads also maintained round-the-clock surveillance throughout the festival period.
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