Baahubali effect: Thrissur pooram pandal resembles Mahishmati palace | Pix

Thrissur: While the most awaited pooram is just hours away, Thrissur has turned into a venue of perfect concomitance of wonders. Skyscraping pandals (awnings) erected by Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi groups now mark the borders of the city. Paramekkavu has put up their pandal at Manikandanal and Thiruvambadi group at Naduvilal and Naikkanal.

The 90ft-tall fiber pandal erected by Thiruvambadi at Naduvilal has won the popularity competition this year with ease. Designed by sculptor Cheroor Manikandan, this jumbo shamiana has by now gained a pet name among the pooram lovers of Thrissur - the 'Bahubali pandal.' 

Originally, Manokandan had planned a 110ft tall structure which will help Thiruvambadi break the Thrissur pooram pandal record, but a weather forecast of strong winds forced the craftsmen to reduce height to 90ft. With the light arrangements done, the pandal is expected to be a showstopper this year. 

The two other pandals, one being an abstract replica of Venkateswara temple in Tirupati and the other a conventional plywood-made, are also ready.