Sample fireworks set the sky aflame in Thrissur

With regulations eased at Thrissur Pooram this year, fireworks enthusiasts were treated to a closer, clearer view than usual at the sample show (first round of fireworks) on Sunday, thanks to improved viewing access.

Both Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu devaswoms delivered on every expectation, setting the night ablaze with a breathtaking fusion of colour and sound. They didn’t just put on a show; they took the crowd on a euphoric ride.

The fact that it fell on a Sunday added to the excitement, as a sea of people began flowing into the city by noon. As traffic restrictions kicked in by afternoon, vehicles were parked on the city outskirts, and hordes of spectators made their way on foot to the iconic Swaraj Round.

Tradition of delay

Scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., the sample fireworks stuck to the tradition of starting fashionably late. Thiruvambady led the charge by 7.30 p.m., opening with thunderous ‘kuzhiminnal’ (ground-shaking bombs) that sent a pulse of raw energy through the city. What followed was a medley of ‘olappadakkam,’ ‘gundu,’ and ‘amittu’ — each explosion punctuated by rhythmic roars from the crowd.

Thiruvambady’s sample built up to a dazzling climax, painting the sky in a storm of colour and sound, igniting a chorus of jubilation from the packed crowd.

Then came Paramekkavu’s turn. As the smoke from Thiruvambady’s finale drifted from the skyline, Paramekkavu lit their first fuse by 8.30 p.m. Their fireworks began with deep rumbles and soon escalated into a full-blown sonic spectacle. A seamless fusion of ola, kuzhiminnal, gundu, and amittu bloomed overhead, casting brilliant hues over the city.

‘Amittu’ blooms

Both groups wrapped up their displays with signature amittu blooms, unleashing a symphony of colours. Children clapped with delight mesmerised by the sheer brilliance of the blooms unfolding above them.

This year, a notable change was the repositioning of the fire lines. In compliance with PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) guidelines and to ensure better crowd management, both groups moved their firing zones slightly deeper into the Thekkinkadu maidan. This adjustment not only ensured safe distance between the fireworks and spectators, but also allowed more people to enjoy the show from Swaraj Round.

Thrissur Pooram will be celebrated on May 6 and the main fireworks’ display will be in the early hours of Wednesday.