THRISSUR: Welcomed by an animated elephant, the Thrissur Pooram exhibition at Thekkinkadu Maidan, which is held as a build-up to the Pooram, is attracting a large number of people from far and wide in spite of the scorching summer heat. Despite the restrictions that have been imposed, the revellers of the town have not withdrawn from immersing themselves in the festivities of the cultural celebration. Showcasing the colourful face of the cultural capital of the state, the Pooram exhibition this year marks the 55th year from the time it was named so when taken up by the Paramekavu and Thiruvambadi Devaswoms in 1963.
The exhibition, which is held every year as a prelude to the Pooram (on April 25 this year), showcases food items, accessories, textiles, home appliances, Ayurvedic products, cosmetics and home décor at reasonable rates, along with educational stalls organised by various institutions and departments of the government.
Any cultural enthusiast would have the Thrissur Pooram and the Pooram exhibition on their bucket list as it is a magnificent show of the agricultural, industrial, educational and cultural splendour of the state. The colourful atmosphere of the exhibition is boosted by the games and rides available for children and adults.
The exhibition contains around 200 stalls and many pavilions wherein the different aspects of society are exhibited. “The exhibition has given way for the new generation styles to come in. But the spirit and enthusiasm of the Pooram remain and many ordinary people like us get a chance to sell our products in this shopping fair,” Nujoom Veliyil from Kollam, who has been attending this fair with his large collection of dry fruits for the past 37 years, told Express.
K M Ali from Chavakkad sells Kozhikode halwa and has been a part of this event since 1994. He said the number of people visiting the fair has increased over the years and it is actually a wonder that even when all the stalls are not yet set up, there is no rest for those managing the stalls in the exhibition. “I came here for the first time in 1994 with my father. Since then when the time of Pooram comes, I feel the urge to come. I will continue to visit the venue as long as my health permits,” said Ali, brimming with excitement and fervour. K B Shashidharan, the joint secretary of the organising committee, said the event showcases unique products and they attract people to the venue. The exhibition, which will last till May 22, is worth visiting. With a ticket costing Rs 25 one can enter a world of jubilation where the culture, taste and lifestyle of Thrissur are showcased. Though it's been 55 years since the exhibition started, the enthusiasm and the adrenaline rush through the veins of Thrissur residents have refused to die out.
The Pooram, which begins in a couple of weeks, would see the famous Kudamaatom, Ilanjithara Melam and the wonderful display of fireworks - the Vedikettu. The Thrissur Pooram is considered one of the greatest festival gatherings in Asia and it holds a significant place in the tourism map of the state.