Thrissur, often hailed as the cultural capital of Kerala, is witnessing the ceremonial beginning of its most celebrated temple festival – the Thrissur Pooram – with flag hoisting rituals (Koodiyettam) taking place today. Marking the official commencement of the festivities, flags are being hoisted at the two major participating temples, Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu, along with eight associated ‘Ghataka’ temples. The entire city is transitioning into a festive mood as these sacred rituals unfold.
The first flag will be raised at the Laloor Karthyayani Temple, setting the tone for the rest of the temples. At the Paramekkavu temple, preparations begin early in the morning. A sacred flag, featuring a lion insignia symbolizing the presence of the goddess, will be hoisted to formally mark the start of Pooram celebrations.
At noon, traditional drums will announce the symbolic procession of the deity, followed by the main flag hoisting ceremony at 12:30 PM. Meanwhile, at the Thiruvambady temple, the flag hoisting takes place between 11:00 and 11:30 AM. According to tradition, descendants of the Thaazhathupuraykkal family—Sundaran and Sushith—prepare the ceremonial flagpole. Once the priests perform the rituals, the flag is ceremoniously handed over and raised in the presence of temple custodians and devotees.
This event marks the spiritual and cultural kickoff of the Thrissur Pooram festivities, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists to witness Kerala’s most iconic temple celebration.
