Thrissur: With two days to go to unravel the mysteries hidden in parasols, Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu groups are busy wrapping more surprises in their colourful umbrellas being made at undisclosed locations.
As the Thrissur Pooram fills hearts with joy on Sunday, April 30, the parasols will unfold, leaving the revellers in awe.
Here are some of the surprises that will unravel on the day of Thrissur Pooram, the mother of all poorams.
Ramacham Ganapathi
Paramekkavu's special 'Ramachan Ganapathi' — or the form of three-dimensional Lord Ganapathi made of the fragrant vetiver (ramacham) — will ride elephants along with the group's special parasol.
Each Ganapathi will cost Rs 13,000, and Paramekkavu is preparing 14 such forms of the elephant god.
Byndoor, Karnataka-based GK Enterprises, a firm owned by Malayali couple Gopalakrishnan and Sindhu, is making Vetiver Ganapathis. The Paramekkavu Devaswom will present the Ganapathis in association with Kochi-based software training company, Luminar Techno Lab.
A slice of Thrissur
Thrissur's indigenous art form, the Pulikali — or the tiger dance — will also have a pride of place on elephants in the upcoming Pooram.
The Thiruvambady group is presenting the Pulikali in one of its special parasols. Aijith and Balu of the Naikkanal Pulikali Sangham are preparing the parasols.
Thiruvambady will present 14 striped tigers and a white one at the centre. Tiger faces will adorn the crowns.
And Lord Subrahmaniya too!
Kizhakkumpattukara Samanwaya Kala Vedi will showcase Lord Subrahmaniya in all his glory with his vehicle, the peacock, spreading its train.
Lord Subrahmaniya, also called Murugan or Andavan, is part of the Paramekkavu's presentation.
Samanwaya had been making parasols for Thiruvambady for 14 consecutive years. But for the past years, it has been making special parasols for Paramekkavu.