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Thrissur
Introduction
The Cultural capital
of Kerala, Trichur, gained prominence under the reign of Raja Rama Varma in 1790.
Trichur or Thrissur as it is called locally, is well known for Vadakkunathan Temple,
the Thrissur Pooram an annual festival held in the city, the Kerala Kala Mandalam,
the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy.
The city
and the area around it have a number of museums, art schools, and institutes,
which are dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural traditions of
Kerala.
The city holds annual eight day festival called Thrissur Pooram
during which brilliantly caparisoned elephants lead processions. Followers representing
the Thiruvambadi temple on one hand and the Paramekkavu temple on the other hand
celebrate the Pooram. Elaborate processions from both these temples start off
amidst much fanfare through the streets of Thrissur.
The elephants belonging
to these temples lead the processions. Each elephant participating in this festival
is richly caparisoned, adorned with ornaments and topped with an equally well-decorated
parasol. There are 15 elephants from each group. Each side tries to outdo the
other in the decoration of elephants, as the side putting up a better display
than its rival is adjudged as the winner for that particular year.
Though
the breathtaking spectacle of the procession is over by dusk, the night sky over
Thrissur is lit up with an equally breathtaking display of fireworks.
In
fact, the Thrissur Pooram festival is a culmination of similar smaller processions
that originate in the towns near Thrissur and wind their way up to the main event
being held at the Vadakkunathan Temple.
While in Thrissur, you can experience
the rich cultural heritage that the state of Kerala proudly upholds. The multi-hued
past of this city comes alive at the Archaeological Museum and the Art Museum
as also the art gallery located within the Town Hall. The Vadakkunathan Temple
is the spiritual centre of the city and is famous all over India for its magnificent
annual Pooram festival. The sight of brilliantly caparisoned elephants during
the festival is one that must not be missed.
History
The
history of Thrissur goes back to ancient times. The name Thrissur (Trichur) is
derived from a combination of Malayalam words Tiru-Siva-Peroor, which collectively
means the city bearing the holy name of Lord Shiva.
The entire credit for
the rise of the modern city of Thrissur goes to Raja Rama Varma, who ascended
the throne of the state of Cochin in 1790.
Best
Season and Climate
Like most of the places in Kerala, Thrissur has
a tropical and humid climate. It experiences heavy monsoon rains from June to
August therefore it is advisable not to visit Thrissur during the monsoon season.
The best time to visit the city of Thrissur is from September to March.
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