Peruvanam Pooram

Peruvanam Pooram is one of the most popular temple festivals of the South Indian state of Kerala. It is held at Peruvanam Temple in Cherpu, Thrissur District. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this temple.

The deity of the Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple does not participate in the pooram, and is a silent spectator to the proceedings. The participation is limited to temples with Devi and Sastha as the primary deities. It is said that the festival used to witness participation from 108 temples. Presently, the festivities consist of processions (called "Ezhunnallippu") from about 23 temples.

The Peruvanam pooram is known for its grandeur, and its strict adherence to rituals. The Pandi and Panchari melams played here are of the highest standards. The Panchari melams of Urakam Devi temple and the Cherpu Bhagavathy Temple, are amongst the finest performed, with the latter being the more famous. The Peruvanam Nadavazhi (Malayalam for "Walkway") is the venue for the finest processions/melams, the construction of which is in such a manner that it forms a natural theater for the percussion performances. The Peruvanam Nadavazhi is considered a sacred theatre for Melams by discerning listeners.

Present day festivals in Kerala witness mass participation from all strata of the society. Much of this phenomenon, can be attributed to the Peruvanam Pooram, which has played a major role in developing the cultural fabric of Kerala. The Peruvanam pooram boasts of a rich history, and can perhaps be the oldest organised ritualistic festival existing on the planet.