The most vibrant and spectacular of all temple festivals in Kerala, the Thrissur Pooram is underway at the Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur. Hundreds of thousands of people have flocked to Thrissur to take part in the famous festival, to witness the cultural and religious visual extravaganza. 

Akashvani Correspondent reports that processions of Bhagavathis and Shasthas from eight nearby temples, besides the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu temples, converged at the Vadakkumnathan temple, and paid obeisance to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity, this morning. This was followed by the rhythmic beats of traditional percussion ensembles such as Panchavadyam and Chenda Melam at the temple premises. Another important highlight of the festival, the swift, rhythmic exchange of colourful parasols on caparisoned elephants, in the backdrop of rhythmic drum beats, will be held this evening. A colourful display of magnificent fireworks will be held during the early hours of tomorrow morning.