Thrissur Pooram 2025: Date, Significance and Places to Visit

Thrissur Pooram is a famous temple festival of Kerala, celebrated on a large scale every year. Thrissur, also known as Trichur is basically a city in Kerala. You must know that this city is significantly known as the “Cultural Capital of Kerala”. Every year, this city celebrates the grand Thrissur Pooram festival. This festival refers as “Mother of all Poorams”, demonstrating the rich culture and heritage of Kerala. Traditional music, fireworks and caparisoned elephants are the main attractions of this festival. People from all around the world visits Kerala to attend this spiritual celebration at least once in their lifetime.  In this blog post, we have mentioned the festival date, significance and places to visit in Thrissur. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s delve in and uncover all the essential information about this festival.

Know the Significance of Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur Pooram is one of the largest festivals among all the Pooram festivals of Kerala. The grand celebration of this festival runs 36 hours, showcasing the spiritual essence and traditional colours. It is one of the prominent festivals in India that is celebrated annually in respect of Lord Vadakkunnathan (Lord Shiva) from the Vadakkunnathan Temple. This prominent festival is basically referred as the meeting of different lords from ten other prominent temples of Thrissur. Ten temples that participates in the magical Thrissur Pooram celebration are Chenkottukavu, Thiruvambady, Thazhathukavu, Paramekkavu,  Neithilkavu, Ayyanthole, Chembhukavu, Cheriyakavu, Thazhathukavu andKanimangalam. This year the Thrissur Pooram will be celebrated on 6th May, this six days grand celebration will start from 30th April.

Step-by-Step Celebration of Thrissur Pooram

First of all, the festivities start with Kodiyettam, which is basically a flag hosting ceremony. You must know this ceremony happens seven days before the actual festival. It is basically a signal to all the temples about the starting of Thrissur Pooram.

• All the prominent temples who participate in this festival has their own elephants. They decorate their elephants and arrange their traditional orchestra music.
• As a part of this festival, the next step is quite important and called “Madathil Varavu”. In this step, the primary lord of Thiruvambadi Temple, “The Thiruvambadi Devi” and “Lord Krishna” are taken out of the temple and establish at Brahmaswom Madom. It is known as a temporary domicile of the deity. Since, Thrissur Pooram history, this step has been accomplished with traditional music and great joy.
• The next step of this ceremony is known as “Kudamattom”. At this step of the festival, two main organisers of the festival, “Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu” exchange colourful umbrella and ornaments of their elephants. In Malayalam, Kudamattom refers to “changing umbrellas”.
• The next step of Thrissur Pooram festival is “Ilanjithara Melam”, it is a form of traditional orchestra performance. It’s a key step of this festival which is performed by the huge number of artists. They use traditional musical instruments that creates a meticulous environment.
• As an important part of this grand celebration, fireworks being displayed continuously. Fireworks has always been a symbol of our great Indian celebrations. Along with the fireworks, they also display all the essential ornaments before the start of the main festival.
• In the next step of Thrissur Pooram, all the ornaments and other offerings from devotees all around the world displayed in the main temple. This step is called “Gramabali”. It is amazing that all these offerings remain unlocked or without any security, till the start of the main festival. It is believed that the deity guards all the offerings.
• At the final step, the regional deity “Naithalakkavua Bhagavathy” arrives at the main temple. It is known as the beginning of this grand festival. As a starting of the ceremony, the elephants push and open the gate of the temple.

People from all around the world gather to attend this specific festival along with locals. This dignified celebration makes Thrissur, one of the best places to visit in Kerala.

Top 12 Places to Visit in Thrissur During Pooram Festival

Apart from attending the grand Thrissur Pooram festival, there is a lot of places you can visit in Thrissur, Kerala. Since, this festival is in May, here we have mentioned 12 tourist places to visit in May amid this festival.

1. Vadakkunnathan Temple
2. Athirappilly Waterfalls
3. Koodalmanikyam Temple
4. Kauthuka Park
5. Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple
6. Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna  Temple
7. Thrissur Zoo & Museum
8. Sobha City Mall
9. Kerala Kalamandalam
10. Bible Tower
11. Vazhachal Waterfalls
12. Vilangan Hills

1. Vadakkunnathan Temple

As you already know that Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur is globally famous for its annual celebration of “Thrissur Pooram”. Dedicated to Lord Shiva (Lord Vadakkunnathan), it is one of the iconic temples in South India, which was constructed during 8th to 9th century. It is believed that this temple has been established by “Parsurama”, he was the avatar of Lord Vishnu. This temple has also received an “Award of Excellence” at UNSECO Asia Pacific Award. Hence, it is recommended to visit this temple during  Thrissur Pooram.

Visiting Hours: 4 am to 11 am & 5 pm to 8:30 pm (All days)

2. Athirappilly Waterfalls

Athirappilly Waterfalls in Thrissur, Kerala is India’s largest waterfall.  This majestic waterfall is the primary attraction for tourists visiting Thrissur. It is also a prime location to shoot mesmerising movie scenes. This waterfall is surrounded by Sholayar forest range. If you are a nature enthusiast and love to visit such wonderful places, you should not skip this waterfall. Not only Indian tourists, but people from all around the world visits this city to witness the divine beauty of this nature’s wonder. Believe it or not but it is one of the best places to visit in South India.

Visiting Hours: 8 am to 6 pm (All days)

3. Koodalmanikyam Temple

If you have read Ramayana, you must know all the three brothers, Lord Ram, Laxaman and Bharatha. Now, the thing is, we are talking about Ramayana because this is the only temple in India, where people worship “Bharatha”. This temple is popular for its unique architectural features. Not only the followers of Lord Bharatha visit this temple, but tourists who visits Thrissur also visits to see the uniqueness of this temple. If you are visiting the city during Thrissur Pooram festival of Kerala, you must visit here.

Visiting Hours: 3:30 am to 11:30 am & 5 pm to 8:30 pm (All days)

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4. Kauthuka Park

It is a primary nature conservation centre and educational space in Thrissur. This park is one of the must-visit places in Kerala that demonstrates the tranquil coexistence of nature and human. You should visit this park to witness the diverse wildlife and unique design of this place. The Kauthuka Park in Thrissur was curated by Mr. Varkey Veliyath. It's a popular tourist attraction, where you got to know about the intense wildlife of different type of species.

Visiting Hours: 7 am to 6:30 pm (All days)

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5. Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple

The Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple in Thrissur is one of the primary participants of Thrissur Pooram festival. This temple is specifically dedicated to “Devi Vaishnavy”, it is one of the largest Bhagavathy temples in Kerala.  Devi Vaishnavy is known as an incarnation of Goddess Durga. This temple is not only popular to seek the divine blessing, but an epicentre to witness the culture and tradition of Kochi’s Royal family and Zamorin rulers. You should visit this temple during the grand Thrissur Pooram celebration.

Visiting Hours: 4 am to 11:15 am & 4 pm to 8:15 pm (All days)

6. Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple

This magnificent temple in Thrissur is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple also plays a crucial role in the celebration of grand Pooram festival. The process of Madathilvaravu starts from this temple only. At this temple, people worships the child form of Lord Krishna. During the festival, the idol of Lord Krishna and Devi Vishnumaya taken to the main temple. You must visit this temple to know the different colours of vibrant Thrissur festival.

Visiting Hours: 6 am to 11 am & 5 pm to 8:30 pm (All days)

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7. Thrissur Zoo & Museum

If you are planning to visit Thrissur during the festival time, you must visit Thrissur Zoo & Museum. This zoo is a perfect example of wildlife conservation and breeding programs. There is a natural history museum inside this zoo, it’s a great place to learn about the natural habitats of several different species. This zoo is a major attraction for tourists, interested to get knowledge of wildlife. If you are travelling Kerala with family and friends, you should know that it is one of the best things to do in Kerala. Visiting this zoo can be a great learning experience for kids and adults as well.

Visiting Hours: 9 am to 5:30 pm (Tuesday to Sunday), Monday closed

8. Sobha City Mall

For a small district like Thrissur, Sobha City Mall is one of the biggest malls, where one can find everything associated to lead a modern and luxurious life. It offers a wide range of branded and local shops, food court, INOX multiplex, restaurants and some specific international brand stores.  Since, this place is a centre of attraction for tourists, especially during Thrissur Pooram elephant festival, this mall is significant attraction of the town. The significance of this mall not only limited to this, but it’s India’s first commercial venture.

Visiting Hours: 10 am to 10 pm (All days)

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9. Kerala Kalamandalam

Kerala Kalamandalam is considered as a cultural landmark of Thrissur. This place is the promotional hub of Kerala's classical art forms. Mohiniyattam, Kathakali and Kutiyattam are the primary art forms to witness at Kerala Kalamandalam. One can also join the classical dance forms. Not only dance forms for people can also join the traditional musical classes. It's an UNSECO recognised art centre, where you can attend different dance drama shows as well. However, you must pay 1000 Rupees as an entry fee if you are an Indian citizen and 1200 Rupees is for international tourists.

Visiting Hours: 9:30 am to 1 am (Monday to Friday), Saturday & Sunday closed

10. Bible Tower

Bible Tower in Thrissur is the first Christian art gallery in Kerala. It is well recognised for its unique architecture and religious significance. It is essential to know that this tower is an elemental part of the Shrine Basilica of our Lady of Dolours. Bible Tower is significantly the tallest church tower in India and Asia. These specific features make it prominent church to visit in India. So, whenever you are visiting Thrissur, you should not skip visiting this place.

Visiting Hours: 9 am to 6 pm (Tuesday to Friday), 9 am to 7 pm (Saturday & Sunday), Monday (Closed)

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11. Vazhachal Waterfalls

Situated on the Chalakudy River, Vazhachal Waterfalls is known for its exceptional beauty and rich biodiversity. This place is also popular to find several medicinal herbs around the waterfall. It is also one of the popular destinations to enjoy birdwatching. The flow of swift water and beautiful surrounding makes it a distinct place to enjoy picnic. Tourists choose this place to visit during the Thrissur Pooram festival. It's indeed one of the iconic places in Kerala.

Visiting Hours: 8 am to 6 pm (All days)

12. Vilangan Hills

It is a must visit place, specifically for those who are going to attend the Pooram festival. Away from the chaos of city life, at Vilangan Hills you can relax and rejuvenate yourself. It's one of the major tourist spots to witness the magical city views. Due to its scenic beauty, it is also considered as one of the honeymoon places in Kerala. You must visit this place to experience the divine natural beauty of this place.

Visiting Hours: 9 am to 7 pm (All days)

Hence, if you are planning to attend the Thrissur Pooram festival, you visit all these iconic places. Anyway, it is a celebration of three days, and you can definitely get the chance to explore the nearby places. To attend this grand celebration, you must visit along with your family and friends. You can book one of our Kerala tour packages from the website at a reasonable price.

Thrissur Pooram - FAQ’s