THRISSUR:KERALA:  The famous Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur hosted Kerala's legendary Thrissur-Pooram in all its splendour on April 30. A parade of elaborately costumed elephants and a high-octane traditional percussion performance thrilled a sea of spectators. 

The Thiruvambady team stole the show during the renowned "Kudamattam," which got underway shortly after six in the evening, with a demonstration of an outstanding, lit cutout of Argentinian football legend Lionel Messi carrying the World Cup. 

Kudamattam is the rapid succession of multicoloured, ornate silk parasol changes performed by persons riding elephants. 

Numerous people of all ages and religions gathered to witness the renowned pooram at the expansive Thekkinkadu Maidan. It is regarded as the mother of all temple festivals in the southern state and is generally attended by thousands of spectators each year. 

Thirty caparisoned elephants, fifteen from each of the temples of Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady, stood face to face while observing the ages-old rituals and traditions. 

On the umbrellas, in addition to the many hues, designs, and layers, there were lit cutouts of many different gods, including Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathy, and Lord Krishna among others. 

The display of 'nettipattams' (the golden caparisons),'venchamaram' (ornamental fan made of peacock feathers), and'muthukkuda' (decorative umbrellas) atop the jumbos were a feast to the crowd, which was mesmerised by the traditional music ensembles, 'panchavadyam and pandimelam', performed by a variety of percussionists. 

The powerful monarch of the former princely state of Cochin at the time, Raja Rama Varma, also known as Shakthan Thampuran, issued a royal proclamation in 1798 that gave rise to the two-century-old Thrissur Pooram. 

The edict designated two nearby temples, Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady, as the primary sponsors of the competition-style events. 

Small poorams from nearby temples joined the main poorams by the two Devaswoms in the celebrations. 

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