CULTURE AND ART OF THRISSUR

Thrissur, Kerala’s cultural capital, is adorned with the Vadakkunnathan (Siva) Temple, from which the name derives. The old name was Thrishivaperur, which means “Lord Shiva’s name.” The Thrissur Pooram, held in April and May, is the city’s most popular cultural attraction. The Kudamattom (Umbrella Display Competition), drum concerts, and spectacular fireworks all add to the Pooram celebration’s vibrancy.

Kerala Sahitya Academy, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy, and Kerala Lalithakala Academy have their headquarters in Thrissur and work to promote the growth of Malayalam language, literature, dance, music, drama, folk arts, fine arts, and artistic heritage in Kerala. The well-known Kerala Kalamandalam is also located in the Thrissur District.

Thrissur is Kerala’s cultural capital and a cultural and intellectual hub. Because of the variety of art forms, it occupies a unique spot on the cultural tourism map. Thrissur’s culture can be understood through its traditional customs. Thrissur represents Kerala’s cultural heritage and traditional legacy as a whole. It strikes a balance between traditional culture and modern values.

Thrissur is a centre for Malayalam literature, dance, music, sculpture, and other arts. In Thrissur, there are numerous literary and cultural societies such as Kerala Sahitya Academy, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy, Kerala Lalithakala Academy, Kerala Kalamandalam, and others that provide training in various art forms. The Kerala Sahitya Academy hosts seminars and talks about Kerala’s art and culture. These organisations work to develop and promote art and culture, which includes dance forms, music, literature, sculpture, painting, and so on.

Thrissur hosts a number of religious festivals and fairs. Onam, Pooram, Pulikkali, and other major festivals are observed. The various festivals celebrated in Thrissur reflect the city’s distinct culture. Thrissur is the land of Poorams, and the Thrissur Pooram, which is held here, draws a large crowd. It is known as the Pooram of Poorams and is the largest of all Kerala Poorams. Among the city’s cultural attractions, the Thrissur Pooram is the most well-known.

Pulikkali is a Thrissur-specific festival in which performers paint their bodies bright colours and act like tigers to entertain the audience. Thrissur is well-known among elephant enthusiasts, and an elephant feeding ceremony known as the Anayoottu is held annually from the Vadakkumnathan Temple. It is the largest elephant feeding ceremony in the world.

Thrissur is also a popular destination for ecotourism, of  Athirapally and Vazhachal waterfalls. Athirapally is an 80-foot-high shimmering expanse of tranquil beauty. Another waterfall called Vazhachal is located five kilometres from Athirapally.