Arattupuzha Pooram is the oldest Pooram (temple festival) in all of Kerala, which is held at the Sree Sastha Temple in Thrissur for a period of seven days each year. Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, this temple is believed to be more than 3000 years old. Before getting into the grand celebration of the festival, we should know about the importance of this Pooram. The conference of the gods of neighbouring hamlets with the powerful god, Ayyapah, continues for a week. The renowned Sree Sastha Temple near Thrissur gets immense attention in March. From percussion artists, palm readers, toy makers, and other noteworthy vendors to majestic elephants, the village will stay colourful and inviting for the entire week. The valedictory of dipping of the 23 deities in the waters concludes the conclave of Gods or “Devamela” festive.
The Temple management manages the humongous crowd with ease. Five elephants bring Lord Sastha out of his place to make him meet the other gods. This event is called “Thiruvathira Paruppad”. After visiting the “Thaikkattusery Temple,” Lord Sastha will be a spectator for the “Peedikaparmbu Temple” elephant race. Then, he visits the “Thottipal Pooram” before going back to Arattupuzha. He receives the idols of other gods at “Divine Durbar”. The final two days of the festival will offer you memories for a lifetime.
Decorated tuskers will bring deities of the nearby villages, while the percussion artists rhythmically invite the gentle giants. Other than the trucks employed to bring elephants, there are no vehicles polluting the herd of humanity. The vibrations of “Sasthavinte Melam” amid the concordia of the crowd create an unfelt jubilance in people. The caparisoned elephants, along with the “Pancharimelam” (ethnic drum ensemble), hold an enormous assembly of percussion artists more than any other Pooram. That is why Arattupuzha Pooram is the mother of all Poorams.
The greatest union of Gods on earth! Though it might sound more mythological, the traditional routes of Kerala have earned the name, “God’s own country”. One should mingle with the locals of Thrissur, get involved in a tarot reading, buy beautiful toys for their kids, devour local foods and experience one of the majestic celebrations of Kerala to feed their mind happiness and positive vibrations. People from different parts of the state visit this temple during the festival to watch the colourful procession and to seek the blessings of Lord Ayyappa. One after another, the festival is full of surprising traditions and magnificent lighting. Shove yourself into an exuberant crowd to enjoy something you have never experienced before.
Venue: Arattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple.
Location: Arattupuzha.
District: Thrissur, Kerala.
Thrissur is famous for its temples and cultural activities of Kerala, and has very good road and rail connections to other cities of Kerala and other states.
- By Road: Arattupuzha Temple is located in Arattupuzha town, which is located about 15 km from Thrissur town, and it is well connected with good roads and frequent buses.
- By Train: Thrissur Railway Station, located at a distance of 14 km, is the nearest major railway station, and Pudukkad Railway Station is a local railway station located about 5 km from here.
- By Air: Cochin International Airport, located at a distance of 44 km, is the nearest airport.
