Security tightened ahead of Thrissur Pooram

Monday, April 30, 2012: Security in the city has been tightened ahead of Thrissur Pooram, to be celebrated tomorrow. As many as 3,000 police personnel will be deployed for security.
Commissioner of Police told reporters here that as part of new tactics to crack down on criminals, the Shadow Police would be pressed into service. “As many as 100 police officers of the Shadow Police will mingle with the crowds to check offences.
Closed Circuit Television systems, an important weapon to fight crime, will be used. The police department plans to introduce surveillance cameras in key zones in the city,” he said.
Described as the ‘cultural capital’ of Kerala, Thrissur is all set to host on Tuesday the annual ‘Thrissur Pooram’ – the state’s temple festival that attracts tens of thousands of people.
The parade of caparisoned elephants accompanied by captivating percussion support – the ‘melam’ – by teams of top professional artists will culminate with the famous ‘kudamaattam’ – the display of colourful umbrellas moved in rapid succession across the top of the lined-up elephants.
The festival will conclude with a magnificent display of fireworks that lasts for over an hour. According to the festival authorities, everything is in place for the ‘big day’.
With small Poorams from neighbouring temples in Thrissur joining the ceremonies from early morning, the festival is a day-long affair that leads to the fireworks late night.
The Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi Devaswoms will hold a ‘sample vedikettu,’ the first round of fireworks, as part of Thrissur Pooram celebrations. Thousands will throng the Swaraj Round and nearby lanes to witness the mighty display of pyrotechnics.
The pyrotechnicians of the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu Devaswams are busy preparing innovative patterns and varieties of fire works, which make spectators, go into raptures.
Preparations for Thrissur Pooram, to be celebrated on May 1, are on in full swing. The district administration has tightened security in the town.