Thrissur (Kerala) | Despite the scorching summer heat, thousands gathered on Sunday for the iconic Thrissur Pooram, which was held in a subdued manner this year after the Mundathikode fireworks unit explosion that killed 15 people.

Often billed as the “mother of all temple festivals” in the state, the event unfolded at the Vadakkunnathan Temple with all core rituals intact, though celebratory elements were significantly curtailed in view of the incident.

As per a prior decision taken by authorities and Devaswom representatives in the backdrop of the incident, the Pooram was conducted with a strict focus on rituals.

Despite the scaled-down format, the essence of the centuries-old traditions remained visible as caparisoned elephants from the Paramekkavu Devaswom and Thiruvambady Devaswom stood face-to-face, participating in customary rituals that have defined the festival for generations.

Authorities confirmed that all elephants paraded underwent mandatory health checks and were issued fitness certificates.

The much-anticipated Kudamattam—the ceremonial exchange of vividly decorated umbrellas atop elephants—was held in a curtailed format, lasting over 15 minutes as a symbolic representation of the tradition.

However, the famed Ilanjithara Melam, a high-energy traditional percussion ensemble, was conducted in its full grandeur, drawing loud cheers from the spectators gathered on the temple premises.

Authorities had already announced that the fireworks display, a hallmark of the Pooram festival, would not be held in the wake of the incident, with only a symbolic round of crackers planned.

Officials said the decision to limit festivities was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by state Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan, following directions from the Kerala High Court, with participation from district authorities and representatives of the participating Devaswoms.

Both Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady Devaswoms had earlier clarified that while celebratory programmes would be avoided, the ritualistic components of the Pooram would be preserved without compromise.

Elaborate security arrangements were put in place, including around 350 CCTV cameras at key locations and the deployment of a large police contingent, including women personnel and experienced officers.

Departments such as forest and animal husbandry also enforced strict compliance with captive elephant management rules.

With the district under a heatwave alert, authorities issued advisories urging attendees to take precautions, including carrying drinking water, umbrellas and other essentials.

Though stripped of its usual spectacle, this year’s Pooram stood as a solemn yet resilient celebration—honouring tradition while paying silent tribute to lives lost in the recent incident.

Multiple explosions occurred on April 21 at Mundathikode while fireworks for the Thiruvambady Devaswom as part of the Thrissur Pooram were being manufactured. Of the 38 people believed to have been present at the site, 15 have died, while four remain missing.

Thrissur Pooram is an annual Hindu temple festival held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, in Thrissur.

It is celebrated on Pooram day, when the moon aligns with the Pooram star in the Malayalam month of Medam.