Thrissur District Collector T.V. Anupama has given the green signal for parading elephant Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran for the ‘Vilambaram’ ritual of the Thrissur Pooram. Her decision follows a favourable report given by an expert panel on the physical fitness of the animal. Permission has been given for parading the elephant for one hour.
Ramachandran will carry the idol of the Naithilakkavu Bhagavathy from Manikandanal to Thekke Gopura Nada. The elephant will be taken to Manikandanal on a lorry and will be taken back after the ritual.
Another elephant, Thechikkottukavu Devidasan, will carry the idol from the Naithilakkavu temple to Manikandanal. Directives given by the authorities on security would be strictly followed during the parade, said Elephant Owners Federation and Thechikkottukavu Devaswom.
Record insurance
The Vilambaram ritual will be held under tight security. Barricades will be erected to contain people. The Thechikkottukavu Devaswom will be held responsible in the event of any untoward incident, the Collector said in her order. Ramachandran has been insured for ₹3 crore, apparently a record amount for an elephant.
Sample fireworks
On Saturday, the sky above Thekkinkadu Maidan was lit up by the sample fireworks, the first round of fireworks for the Thrissur Pooram.
Both Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu, the main participating devaswoms, arranged colourful fireworks; from pops and crackers to dynamite and amittu, watched in delight by hundreds.
The police kept the public at a distance of 100 metres from the fireline. Even the nearby areas of Swaraj Round were packed.
Thiruvambady started the show by 7.40 p.m, followed by Paramekkavu. While Kundannur Saji prepared fireworks for Thiruvambady, K.M. Sreenivasan was the pyrotechnician for Paramekkavu. Both tried innovative designs.
The police imposed traffic regulations in the city in connection with the fireworks.