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Trichur was the capital of the former Princely State of Cochin, one of the prominent kingdoms of Malabar Coast. In the 18th Century the then Cochin King Raja Rama Varma referred to as Sakthan Thampuran for his extraordinary vision, leadership and ability, had taken initiative in making a planned town in Trissivaperoor, the old name of Thrissur. Hence the origin of the well planned present Trichur.The town of Trichur radiates from Vadakkunnatha temple with the encircling roads. This temple is an architectural marvel. As a district Trichur was formed in 1949.

Trichur in Kerala mainly conjures up in the minds of every curious traveller the vibrant images of “Trichur Pooram”, the renowned festival conducted every year that offers exulting moments to the people irrespective of religion, caste, region etc. Trichur is the cultural capital of Kerala. The abundance of festivals is the major attraction of Trichur. The Vadakkunnatha Shiva temple, Paramelkavu Devi temple, and Thiruvambadi Krishna temple are known for their cultural significance. The Archeological Museum is another major landmark of Trichur located next to the Museum road.The museum houses many sculptures carved out of stone and metals. The Gandharam style of sculptures can be found here. Here one can also visit the brilliantly reproduced beautiful mural paintings of the Mattanchery Palace of Cochin for which the palace is well known.

The Kerala Kalamandalam is the major point of attention in Trichur especially for those who are curious to learn the traditional art forms. It is situated at Cheruthuruthy, 32 km north of Trichur near the Shornur Railway station. It is an academy of traditional art forms, which offers various courses to learn all of the dying ethnic arts of Kerala. Innumerable foreigners are also the pupils of this institution. Kathakali, the composite art form of dance, music, drama, acting, and literature are all taught here. Training in Ottam Tullal, Mohiniyattom, Koodiyattam, Chakyar kooth, Nangyar Kooth etc are also imparted here.

Trichur Pooram is the most important festival conducted in Trichur.The Trichur Pooram is the Pooram of all the Poorams in Kerala and one of the most spectacular festivals in India. The major attraction of Trichur Pooram is that the temple processions are accompanied by an array of decorated caparisoned elephants. These elephants carry the deities from both the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples along with other minor temple deities. While minor temples have four or five elephants for the procession, the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples have an accompaniment of fourteen elephants each.

Trichur is also famous for handicrafts and bell metal vessels. The numerous vessel shops offer many kinds of oil lamps, household appliances, vessels and of course fancy items made out of metals that can be offered as ideal gift items for the near and dear ones.

For more on the art and culture of Thrissur, log on to trichur.com

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