An Indian festival recognized by UNESCO was magnificently recreated in Dubai during the National Day weekend, honoring the country’s leaders. The event attracted over 30,000 attendees and featured musical performances, celebrity appearances, and robotic elephants among other highlights.
The two-day MMDE Thrissur Pooram event unfolded at the Etisalat Academy in Dubai on December 1 and 2, bringing together performers from Kerala, India, to replicate the original temple festival held annually in Thrissur. This marked the sixth edition of the pooram in Dubai.
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A key highlight was the tribute to the UAE, where organizers unveiled seven ceremonial umbrellas, each with photos of the leaders of the seven emirates, atop seven robotic elephants, a gesture of gratitude for the 54th National Day, earning a standing ovation.
Thrissur Pooram
The original festival occurs at the historic Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur and ranks among Asia’s largest festivals, attracting over a million visitors yearly. UNESCO recognizes Thrissur Pooram, held since 1798, for its grandeur, scale, and cultural significance.
The festival’s heart is the Ilanjithara Melam, a grand percussion ensemble showcasing traditional Kerala music with a large assembly of percussionists playing instruments like the chenda, ilathalam, kuzhal, and kombu.
Another iconic ritual is the Kudamattam, the exchange of umbrellas. Thirty elephants, 15 from each main temple, stand ceremonially adorned with golden ornaments as parasol bearers rhythmically exchange colorful silk umbrellas, each temple striving to outshine the other in umbrella splendor. Fireworks, processions, and rituals enrich the festival.
Event in Dubai
At MMDE Thrissur Pooram, performances were led by Malayalam actor Jayaram, renowned percussionist Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar, and acclaimed artist Kizhakkoott Aniyan Marar, who leads the original festival’s percussion ensemble.
The event also featured a replica temple façade, a grand Poorappandal canopy, and immersive ceremonial decor with traditional elephant gear, artistic umbrellas, and temple instruments.
Last month, a similar Thrissur Pooram recreation was held at Zabeel Park to celebrate Kerala’s formation on November 1.
