Arattupuzha Pooram is the annual festival observed at the Sastha
or Ayyappa Temple Temple at Arattupuzha Thrissur District in Kerala. The famous
pooram festival in the shrine is observed in Meenam month. Arattupuzha Pooram 2023 date is April 3. The shrine is around 16 km south of Thrissur town. The important festival is observed on the Pooram Nakshatra day in Meenam month.
Utsava murthis Gods and Goddess worshipped in the nearby
temples visit Lord Sastha on the Arattupuzha pooram day.
The highlights the seven-day festival are caparisoned
elephants {with muthukuda (sequined, glittering umbrellas) and venchamaram
(white whisks)}, melam and fireworks. The most important days are the final two
days.
The melam observed in the temple is known as Sasthavinte
Melam. Traditional music - Panchavadyam, Panchari Melam and Pandimelam – are part
of the festivities.
The utsava murti worshipped in the temple is taken around atop
a caparisoned elephant, which is accompanied by another five elephants.
Theevetti, or huge flame bearing staffs, at night is a great
sight at the shrine.
Several unique rituals and pujas are performed during the
festival period.
Traditional performing arts, music, songs and other cultural
activities are held during the period.
The festival ends with arattu on the final day.