Arattupuzha Pooram, Kerala - ആറാട്ടുപുഴ പൂരം

The famous Aarattupuzha Pooram is celebrated at the Arattupuzha temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, located 14 Km. south of Thrissur. The festival which lasts for seven days is held in the month of March-April. It is the one of the oldest and spectacular temple festivals of Kerala. This colourful festival attracts spectators from all parts of the state. On the fifth day of the festival, 'Thidambu' is carried on a decorated elephant that is accompanied by eight elephants and drummers. The most colourful event of the festival is the sixth day or the final Pooram day procession with 61 caparisoned elephants bearing bright coloured umbrellas and parasols. The festival ends with 'Arattu' (holy bath of the idol of the diety) ritual which is performed with great pomp in the Arattupuzha river. The uniqueness of the Arattupuzha festival is the ceremonial processions of the images of the deities from 41 neighbouring temples to the Arattupuzha temple.