Thrissur Pooram 2026: Date, Timings, History and Complete Event Guide

Thrissur Pooram 2026 is the biggest and most famous temple festival in Kerala. Held every year at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in the city of Thrissur, it is known as the ‘Mother of All Poorams.’ This day is a massive, high-energy cultural event. It features 50 decorated elephants, loud traditional drum music, and some of the biggest fireworks in India. Therefore, if you plan to attend Thrissur Pooram 2026, or just want to know what the excitement is all about, here is your complete, easy-to-read guide to the dates, the history, the event schedule, and the main rituals.

Thrissur Pooram 2026: Quick Glance

• Date: Thrissur Pooram falls on Monday, April 27, 2026
• Known for: Decorated elephants, live drum performances and huge fireworks
• Main highlight: The festival brings together ten temples in one massive celebration
• Why people love it: It is one of Kerala’s biggest and most energetic cultural events

Thrissur Pooram 2026 Date and Timings

This festival takes place in the Malayalam month of Medam. It happens on the day when the moon rises with the Pooram star.

• Thrissur Pooram 2026 Date: Monday, April 27, 2026
• Pooram Star Begins: 08:27 PM on April 26, 2026
• Pooram Star Ends: 09:18 PM on April 27, 2026

Best Muhurtham Timings for April 27

If you want to offer prayers or start your day during the luckiest hours, here are all the highly positive timing windows (Muhurthams) for Monday:

• 05:50 AM to 07:24 AM: Amirdha (Best Time)
• 10:32 AM to 12:07 PM: Laabam (Good for Gain)
• 12:07 PM to 01:41 PM: Dhanam (Good for Wealth)
• 01:41 PM to 03:15 PM: Sugam (Good Time)
• 04:49 PM to 06:23 PM: Uthi (Good Time)
• 06:23 PM to 07:49 PM: Sugam (Good Time)
• 09:15 PM to 10:41 PM: Uthi (Good Time)

Thrissur Pooram History: How the Festival Began

The history of Thrissur Pooram goes back over 200 years, and interestingly, it started because people were angry. Before 1796, the biggest festival in Kerala was the Arattupuzha Pooram. Temples from Thrissur used to travel there every year to celebrate. However, in 1796, heavy rains flooded the roads. The Thrissur temples arrived late, and they were not allowed to enter the festival. Naturally, the people were very upset. They complained to their ruler, Maharaja Sakthan Thampuran. The Maharaja decided to fix the problem by creating a brand-new, much bigger festival right in his own city in May 1796. He invited ten local temples to come to the Vadakkunnathan Temple to worship Lord Shiva. Today, it is still celebrated exactly as the Maharaja planned.

Also read: Vishu 2026: Date, Significance and Celebration Guide

Thrissur Pooram 2026 Schedule: Main Events to Know

The festival is packed with activities. Here is the step-by-step schedule of what actually happens:

1. Flag Hoisting (Kodiyettam) — April 21, 2026

Between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, flags are hoisted at the temples to officially start the festival week.

2. Elephant Ornament Exhibition (Aana Chamayam) — April 25 & 26

Over the weekend, you can visit a public exhibition. Here, you can closely look at the heavy golden headpieces, colourful umbrellas, and traditional instruments that will be used in the main event.

3. Main Festival Day — April 27, 2026

• 11:30 AM (Madathil Varavu): The ten guest temples arrive with their deities sitting on top of beautifully decorated elephants.
• 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM (Ilanjithara Melam): This is a massive live music show. Over 250 musicians play traditional drums (like the Chenda) and trumpets. The crowd dances and enjoys the heavy beats.
• 05:30 PM to 07:00 PM (Kudamattam): This is the famous umbrella competition. Two temple teams sit on the elephants and quickly change brightly colored silk umbrellas. The crowd cheers to see who has the best designs.

4. The Main Fireworks (Vedikettu) — April 28, 2026

Between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM, the sky lights up with a massive fireworks show. Later that day, at 12:00 PM, they do a final daytime fireworks show to say goodbye until next year.

The 10 Temples of Thrissur Pooram

The festival is basically a large meeting of gods. Lord Shiva is the host at the main temple. The guests are the deities from these ten surrounding temples:

• Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple
• Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple
• Ayyanthole Bhagavathy Temple
• Chembukkavu Bhagavathy Temple
• Choorakkottukavu Bhagavathy Temple
• Kanimangalam Sastha Temple
• Karamukku Bhagavathy Temple
• Laloor Bhagavathy Temple
• Nethilakkavu Bhagavathy Temple
• Panamukkumpally Sastha Temple

Why Thrissur Pooram Is Kerala’s Biggest Festival

What makes Thrissur Pooram so special is not just the decorated elephants or the loud music. It is a festival of total unity. It does not matter what your background is — everyone in the city comes together to organise, perform, and celebrate. Essentially, it is a pure display of Kerala’s culture, teamwork, and amazing energy that you simply have to see to believe.

Also read: April 2026 Festivals: Important Dates to Know

Thrissur Pooram 2026 FAQs

1. When is Thrissur Pooram in 2026?

Thrissur Pooram will take place on Monday, April 27, 2026, when the Pooram star is active.

2. Why is Thrissur Pooram famous?

It is famous for its decorated elephants, powerful drum performances, umbrella display and massive fireworks.

3. Where is Thrissur Pooram celebrated?

It takes place at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, Kerala.

4. What is the main event of Thrissur Pooram?

The main attractions are the temple processions, Ilanjithara Melam, Kudamattam umbrella display and the fireworks.

Ask Agastyaa what your chart says about your spiritual path, timing and the rituals that suit you best