now famous Thrissur Pooram was started by Sakthan Thampuran of Cochin, in eighteenth century overshadowing the Peruvanam pooram which is now an affair comprising only 23 temples. The new version has been in existence now for 1431 years. It is held in the Malayalam month of Meenam (usually, April). The pooram consists of numerous Ezhunnallippu (Malayalam word which means taking out a temple deity atop a caparisoned elephant) with elephants totalling seven, to the accompaniment of traditional percussion ensembles like Panchari melam or Pandi melam. For the Peruvanam pooram, the first ezhunnallippu starts in the evening and stretches till dawn of the next day. The pooram has its highlight in the form of the four-hour Panchari melam starting at about 4am. Although the more popular Thrissur Pooram can be accredited with bringing major changes to the conduct of Poorams in Kerala, the Peruvanam Pooram claims a rich history, and it has witnessed a lot of innovations/additions, some of which form the core of temple festivals in Kerala. The first performance of the Panchari melam is said to have been performed for the Pooram of Urakathamma Thiruvadi, at the Peruvanam Pooram. Caparisons for elephants, called "Nettipattams", were first introduced in the pooram of Cherpu Bhagavathy Temple, at Peruvanam Pooram. Proceedings Pisharikkal Bhagavathy The Bhagavathy (Malayalam for a feminine deity, generally Devi) from the Pisharikkal temple at Kadalassery sets all the events of the night in motion. The pooram of Pisharikkal Bhagavathy starts at about 4PM, and the procession comprises three elephants, to the accompaniment of Panchari Melam. The word Pisharikkal is a corrupted form of the Malayalam word "Visha-haari" (implying antidote/treatment for poison). This pooram is the ritualistic opener for the events of the day, and all other Poorams have to wait until the procession of Pisharikkal Bhagavathy starts and ends. Arattupuzha Sastha The first main Pooram on the day is of Arattupuzha Sastha. The deity arrives at the temple through the southern entrance (Gopuram) before sunset. Seven elephants decorated with exquisite ornaments stand in a row facing north, but, exposed to the rays of the setting sun. That is a sight that will linger in the mind, for times to come. An elaborate Pandi Melam commences immediately. After about 30 minutes the deity moves towards the eastern entrance (Gopuram) and enters the walkway facing east. The Pandi Melam continues there, and lasts until about 10 PM. Chathakudam Sastha Meanwhile, Chathakudam