Thrissur: Kudamattam, the most sought-after show of parasols on top elephants by both the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi Devaswom this year had special socio-political themes put up by both participants.
Paramekkavu dominated over Thiruvambadi in innovative themes and special parasols and the number of decorated umbrellas in the show.
Soon after the beginning of the show, Paramekkavu raised the tri-colour parasols with an image of an Indian Army personal lea-ding to huge cheers from the sea of spectators who had filled the Kudamattam venue in several thousand.
Even though Thiruvam-badi did not respond with the same theme then, towards the end of Kudamattam, they raised their version of special Indian Army parasols with tri-colour cutouts of India's map and a picture of a jawan in army uniform on the middle of the map atop all their 15 elephants adding to the excitement of spectators.
The other exciting theme put up by both the devaswoms on their unique parasols was that of the Lord Ayyappa.
In the final phase, Paramekkavu raised beaming LED parasol with Lord Ayyappa sitting posture in yoga asana as in the idol worshipped at the hill shrine of Sabarimala.
Thiruvambadi then responded with a bright and colourful special umbrella with the image of Lord Ayyappa on tiger top.
It's for the first time in the history of kudamattam such themes like that of India Army are being raised alluding to the current political themes. In the show, Paramekkavu raised nearly 53 sets of parasols and Thiruvam-badi had fewer.
