Dubai: A dazzling display of Dubai Frame fireworks will light up Zabeel Park next weekend as Dubai hosts a grand, two-day replica of Kerala’s world-famous Thrissur Pooram festival.
Scheduled for November 15 and 16, the 2025 edition of “Mmde (Our) Thrissur Pooram” brings the UNESCO-recognised cultural extravaganza to the UAE for its sixth season.
Fireworks Over Dubai Frame
The festivities will begin with a sample fireworks trial on November 15, followed by a full-scale pyrotechnic show on November 16, organisers confirmed.
Dinesh Babu, president of Mmde Thrissur Koottayma, said this year’s edition will be the “most spectacular yet,” featuring traditional arts, immersive experiences and authentic cultural elements from Kerala.
A Cultural Powerhouse
Recognised by UNESCO for its grandeur, Thrissur Pooram is known as the “Mother of All Poorams”, combining spirituality, percussion music, classical dance, and vibrant visuals.
The Dubai event will run:
- Saturday, Nov 15: 4pm – 11pm
- Sunday, Nov 16: 9am – 11pm
An estimated 20,000 visitors are expected to attend.
150 Musicians & Veteran Performers
General convener Balu Tharayil confirmed that 150 instrumental musicians flown in from Kerala will perform under legendary percussionists including:
- Padma Shri Peruvanam Kuttan Marar
- Therozi Ramakurup (first performance outside India)
- Kunisseri Aniyan Marar
- Panjal Velukutty
- Kallur Santhosh
- Chelakkara Brothers
Art master Prasad, known for iconic Thrissur Pooram visual artworks, will also participate.
Robotic Elephants & Authentic Rituals
Co-organiser Bindu Nair of Synerggy Events said the festival aims to recreate an authentic Thrissur Pooram experience with:
- Six real-sized robotic elephants
- Massive 35×50 ft cutouts
- Kavadiyattam performances
- Pulikkali (tiger dance)
- Traditional band sets
- The famous Kudamattam ritual featuring sequined umbrella exchanges
The iconic Kudamattam will be staged at the Zabeel Amphitheatre, recreating the colourful spectacle traditionally performed atop elephants.
Visitors can also explore:
- A Pooram decoration exhibition
- A Kerala food festival
Both aimed at giving Malayalis a nostalgic cultural experience.
Entertainment Line-Up
The festival will feature high-profile artists including:
- Gowri Lekshmi – live band performance (Nov 15)
- Aattam Band & Thekkinkadu Band with Jassie Gift – fusion show (Nov 16)
- Yogi Sekar – solo performance
- DJ Savio
- Ramesh Pisharody, Kallu, Mathukkutty – comedy acts
- Jayaraj Warrier & Machingal Radhakrishnan – commentary for Kudamattam
Indian minister and Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi officially announced the event through a traditional Poora Vilambaram ceremony.
Growing Community Festival
Founded in 2018 by Ajith Thoppil, Rajesh Menon and Saseendran Menon, the group hosted the world’s first replica of Thrissur Pooram outside India in 2019 at Bollywood Parks Dubai.
After successful editions at Etisalat Academy post-pandemic, the festival now shifts to Zabeel Park to accommodate increasing demand.
To encourage wider participation, women attendees receive a 50% discount on tickets available across multiple online platforms.
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