A pooram is defined as "a meeting point of all the arts", and this one in the town of Thrissur is considered to be the mother of all poorams, a wonderfully diverse festival that is one of Kerala's cultural highlights.
An explosion of fireworks greets the first rays of the morning sun, signalling the start of festivities as the percussive orchestra strikes up and elephants emerge from the many temples around the town. Lavishly decorated with peacock feathers, jewels and brightly-coloured silk parasols, they carry the town's precious deities high on their backs in a celebration of life and living.
As darkness falls, dazzling pyrotechnic displays last well into the night and the music and celebrations continue until the break of dawn.
As darkness falls, dazzling pyrotechnic displays last well into the night and the music and celebrations continue until the break of dawn.
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