Thrissur Pooram 2024

Published: 25th Apr, 2024

Context

Thrissur Pooram, one of the largest temples festivals celebrated across the world, is being celebrated in Kerala.

Thrissur Pooram is an important temple festival in Kerala that dates back over 200 years.
The festival was first celebrated in 1798 by Raja Rama Varma (the Maharaja of Cochin).
It is an impressive exhibition of cultural customs and traditions, featuring adorned elephants, colourful umbrellas, and percussion music.
Thrissur Pooram is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May).
It is observed on the pooram day, when the moon rises with the Pooram star.

Historical Belief

The festival's origin dates back to 1796, when a group of temples was prohibited from attending the Arattupuzha Pooram festival due to heavy rainfall.
Upon hearing their grievances, Shakthan Thampuran decided to organise his own festival, which eventually became the Thrissur Pooram celebrated on the same day in May.

CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR UPSC IAS