THRISSUR - The final arrangements for the Thrissur Pooram, the most colourful temple festival of Kerala, were in full swing here Friday with police tightening security and artistes practising their routines to ensure a dazzling display of sound and colour for the spectators Sunday.

The Thrissur Pooram, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medom (April-May), is a grand assembly of gods and goddesses from various villages and towns in and around Thrissur town.

The deities from these temples make their annual visit on caparisoned elephants, accompanied by grand ensembles, to pay obeisance to the deity of Vadakkunathan temple, where the festival is held.

Thousands of people congregate at the temple early morning as processions accompanied by temple orchestra arrive. The event that lasts through the night attracts many foreigners. Last year, over 500 tourists from abroad had attended the festival.

Thrissur Superintendent of Police M.P. Dinesh said all arrangements were in place to control the crowd and ensure smooth conduct of the festival. Final review of the security measures was being conducted Friday.

During the Pooram, the temples of Parammekkavu and Thiruvambady compete in various festivities. They vie with each other with variety and richness of the percussion ensembles and the adornments and parasols on the elephants.

‘We are fully ready and the people can expect a memorable pooram this time,’ said M.C.S. Menon, head of the Thiruvambadi temple’s contingent.

Towards the end of the event, a fireworks display lights up the night sky for several hours.

‘This time we have concentrated on keeping noise pollution to the lowest during the fireworks but we will still have a colourful display,’ said K. Mohanan of the Paramekkavu temple team.

On Friday night, the rival teams will conduct a trial run of the fireworks show.