Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Description: Thrissur City in Kerala originally named Thrisivaperoor and previously known by its anglicised form as Trichur, was once the capital of the Kingdom of Cochin. It is also known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala because of its cultural, spiritual and religious leanings throughout history. The city hosts the Thrissur Pooram festival, the most colourful and spectacular temple festival in Kerala. The Thrissur Pooram is an incredibly prestigious festival celebrated with grandeur in the vast courtyard of the famed Vadakkunnathan temple. 

Its roots date back to 1798 with a royal decree from the formidable King Rama Varma, also known as Shakthi Thampuran, of the princely state of Cochin. This decree entrusted the organisation of the festival in a competitive spirit to two local temples, Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi, as the primary sponsors. In addition to the main Pooram by the two Devaswom (temple management bodies), this annual temple festival, known as the mother of all Poorams, involves 10 other temples. The spectacle features 15 elephants from each of the main temples, engaging in age-old customs and traditions. 

The parade of splendidly adorned elephants and captivating traditional performances attracts enthusiastic crowds, transcending religious and age barriers. The eagerly anticipated 'Kudamattam' festival begins after 6 pm and includes a vibrant display of illuminated cutouts of deities. The festival also showcases traditional musical performances, a colourful lineup of elephants, the Kudamattam ceremony, and the captivating Llajanithara Melam, a traditional orchestra involving hundreds of artists. It culminates in a magnificent fireworks display. The festival dates are determined according to the Malayalam calendar and local customs. The postal department had depicted the Decorated elephant head image on the PPC.