Kala kali, uranju thullal, vellattam nayadikali, poothan thira, parayarude kuthira, komaram, therkkali, kuthirakkali and thattikoothu of thandanmar are part of the festival. There is an old saying ‘Chinakkathoor pooram thanikottavannam’ – all should participate in the pooram and try to do whatever they can.
The flag hoisting or kodiyettam takes place seven days before the pooram day. Kodiyettam is held at both keezhekavu and melekavu. For the next six days Velichappadu accompanied by devotees visit houses in the region and prepares way for Nallamma (Vazhiorukkuka).
The pooram festivities begin after kodiyirkkal (flag lowering) and arattu on the morning of Pooram day.
There are two sets of pooram festivities. The festivities organized by Pallavur Mangalam, Ottappalam, Mettanna, Erakottiri and Palappuram are known as Padinjaran Pooram. The festivities organized by Lakkidi, Thekkumangalam and Vadakku Mangalam are known as Kezhakan Pooram. Kuthirakali is performed by both the parties.
It is said that Pandaram Kuthira of Padinjaran cheri represent the Samoothiri of Kozhikode and the main horse or kuthira of Kezhakan cheri represents Eralpaddu.
Ezhunellippu of theru and Tattinmel kothu are the other important activities during the festival.
Anapooram and Kuthira kali are held once again on the next day.