For the first time in the recent history of Thrissur Pooram, the festival will be organised this year as more women-friendly than any other previous years.
District Collector M S Jaya said that women would be given special earmarked space this time to watch the famed ‘Kudamattom’ ceremony, a spectacular show in which parasols of myriad hues, colours and designs will be exchanged by those standing atop the elephants, which is the highlight of Thrissur Pooram.
The district administration has also directed the police to make separate arrangement for them to watch the Pooram, which has a legacy of male domination down the decades, along with other distinguished guests. Assistant Police Commissioner Harisanker told Express that a special space would be earmarked at the southern entrance of the temple for women to watch ‘Kudamattom’.
Besides, first time in the history of Thrissur Pooram, the liquor prohibition will be imposed in the Thrissur Corporation limit with an objective of reducing untoward incidents and violence against women in the festival venue. “There were a lot of incidences in the past that tipplers under the grip of alcohol harass women at the festival venue, which in fact prevented women from entering the venue with their women relatives and friends.
“But this time, more measures are being taken with an eye on providing an equal space to them along with men,” he said.
Welcoming the decision, Thiruvambadi Devaswom president Madhavankutty said that the devaswom would wholeheartedly cooperate with the administration in providing a special security cover for women in Thrissur Pooram.
Meanwhile, the preparations for Thrissur Pooram to be held on May 9 are on full-swing at various places.
The traditional ceremonial hosting of flag, ‘Kodiyettam’, that harbingers the beginning of the renowned Thrissur Pooram, will be held here in the quadrangles of the 10 participating temples, including the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu, on May 3 with traditional fervour. Sample firework display will be held on May 7, while the main firework display will be held in the early hours of May 10. Archaeological Department officials directed the devaswoms that fireworks exceeding 125 decibels should be prohibited.