Thrissur: As the sound of Pandimelam, the unique musical tradition claiming a lineage of over 1,500 years, scaled its rhythmic ascendance, thousands of people assembled at Ilanjithara were literally transcended into another world as if all of them were in a trance.
The only thing visible in the horizon was the rhythmic waving of the hands in the air, appreciating every nuances of the music ensemble.
Peruvanam Kuttan Marar, conducting perhaps the world’s largest open air music orchestra with 250 artists, has not disappointed the ‘melam’ aficionados who thronged the Pooram Ground braving the unbearable heat and humidity on Wednesday.
The Ilanjithara Melam was preceded by yet another spectacular performance of Panchavadyam as part of the Madathil Varavu of Thiruvambadi.
The panchavadyam was led by Kelath Kuttappan Marar. Leading the ensemble for the first time, Marar has not disappointed as the first knock on the ‘Timila’ itself was enough to send the crowd into raptures.
The panchavadyam followed by pandimelam of Thiruvambadi led by Kizhakoot Aniyan Marar also enthralled them.
The ceremonies associated with pooram commenced with deities of smaller temples in and around Thrissur reaching the abode of Vadakkumnathan in separate processions.
As per the tradition, the first to reach the temple was the Kanimangalam Sastha to be followed by seven other desapoorams.
By 7.30, the procession of Thiruvambadi came accompanied by three elephants and by 11.30 the famous Madathil Varavu commenced.
The majestic procession of Paramekkavu began after 12 pm accompanied by 15 elephants and inimitable performance of Peruvanam Kuttan Marar.
