A muted start to Thrissur Pooram festivities after the Mundathikode blast

The festivities of Thrissur Pooram began to unfold in a subdued manner on Friday, in the wake of the Mundathikode fireworks tragedy. The Paramekkavu Devaswom’s elephant caparison exhibition (Aanachamayam) began at Agrasala on Friday, drawing visitors despite the sombre atmosphere. The famed Manikandanal Pandal of Paramekkavu was illuminated in the evening, offering a glimpse of the Pooram’s charm, though with reduced grandeur.

As part of efforts to scale down celebrations, the sample fireworks scheduled for the day were cancelled. The Thiruvambady Devaswom is observing a three-day mourning period following the disaster and will limit its Aanachamayam to a single day.