Thrissur Pooram  

An expense of around Rs 2 crore is needed to conduct the Thrissur Pooram, the funds for which was supposed to be raised from the Pooram Exhibition, which had also been cancelled
 

Animal rights body PETA today claimed that its investigation has revealed "rampant" cruelty to elephants during 'Thrissur Pooram', an annual temple festival held in Kerala.

Oscar winner Resul Pookutty will record the sounds of Thrissur Pooram this year as part of an audio documentary.

The main events of Thrissur Pooram are Ilanjithara Melam, Madathil Varavu, Kudamattam and Vedikettu, which are all conducted in and around the Thekkinkadu Maidan.

Only healthy male elephants with a majestic look, long trunks, broad ears and upward bending tusks make the cut.

Sakthan Thampuran brought together 10 temples situated around Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur and organised the first ever Thrissur Pooram in 1798.

Ending months of uncertainty, the Centre has given the green light to the popular fireworks display as part of the Thrissur Pooram, through it has come up with some restrictions.

Thrissur Pooram, the mother of all temple festivals in Kerala, could be robbed off its glitter this year with a key participant saying there were doubts over getting nod for the fireworks display, a chief attraction.

Fireworks display will be done under strict safety parameters, abiding by the Central laws for ensuring security and safety

Animal welfare activists allege that an expert team of vets from Animal Welfare Board of India were prevented from examining the elephants during Thrissur Pooram Festival

Amidst the chaos, Ananthu found his with his father in a hospital. His father still in bed and his mother under trauma intensive care, this toddler is one among many survivors who is still to recover from the trauma of the tragic blast at the temple festival at Paravur in  Kollam on Sunday.