Dubai’s skyline is about to get a lot more colorful. Next weekend, the Dubai Frame at Zabeel Park will light up with fireworks as part of a massive two-day festival celebrating Kerala’s most famous cultural event—Thrissur Pooram.
The festival, called “Mmde (Our) Thrissur Pooram,” is bringing a slice of this UNESCO-recognized celebration to the UAE for its sixth year. It’s happening November 15 and 16, and organizers are expecting around 20,000 people to show up.
“This year’s celebration promises to be our most spectacular yet, with world-class performances, immersive experiences, and traditional art forms that capture the essence of Thrissur Pooram,” said Dinesh Babu, president of Mmde Thrissur Koottayma, the community group organizing the event.
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What’s Thrissur Pooram Anyway?
For those unfamiliar, Thrissur Pooram is a huge deal in Kerala. UNESCO has called it a cultural marvel, and it’s known as the “Mother of all Poorams”—basically one of Asia’s largest and most vibrant festivals. It’s a spectacular mix of spirituality, traditional music, dance, and visual grandeur that normally takes place in May.
Most Keralite expats living in Dubai miss it because they can’t travel back home during that time. That’s why bringing it to Dubai has become so important to the community.
“It is our duty to keep our traditions alive and teach our children about our culture and heritage,” Babu explained. “There is no place in the world where this can be done with such grandeur, except Dubai. We are extremely grateful to the Dubai authorities for this.”
Fireworks, Elephants, and a Lot More
The festival kicks off with a sample fireworks display on November 15, followed by the main pyrotechnic show on November 16. But the fireworks are just one part of what’s going on.
The event will feature six real-sized robotic elephants—yes, robotic—set against massive 35×50 foot backdrops. There’ll be traditional performances including Kavadiyattam, the Kudamattam ritual (where handlers exchange colorful parasols atop elephants in a mesmerizing display), Pulikkali tiger dance, and traditional band performances.
Balu Tharayil, general convener for the festival, said they’re flying in 150 instrumental musicians from Kerala, led by some of the biggest names in Thrissur Pooram. That includes percussion legend Padma Shri Peruvanam Kuttan Marar and Therozhi Ramakurup, who’s making his first appearance outside India.
“We are bringing together the finest talent from Kerala,” Tharayil said.
Music, Comedy, and Food
Beyond the traditional elements, there’s plenty of entertainment lined up. On November 15, playback singer Gowri Lekshmi will perform with a live band. The next day features fusion performances from Aattam Band and Thekkinkadu Band with Jassie Gift, plus a high-energy set from rapper and performer Yogi Sekar. DJ Savio will also be keeping the energy up.
For laughs, comedian and director Ramesh Pisharody along with TV hosts Kallu and Mathukkutty will take the stage. And if all that wasn’t enough, there’s a full Kerala food festival happening alongside everything else.
The event runs from 4pm to 11pm on Saturday and 9am to 11pm on Sunday at Zabeel Park.
Growing Bigger Every Year
This isn’t the first time Dubai has hosted Thrissur Pooram. The festival started here in 2019 at Bollywood Parks, organized by a group of passionate community members including Ajith Thoppil, Rajesh Menon, and Saseendran Menon. After a few years at Etisalat Academy following the pandemic, it’s moved to the bigger Zabeel Park venue this year to handle the growing crowds.
Indian minister and Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi kicked things off with the traditional Poora Vilambaram—a ceremonial announcement of the event.
In a nice touch, organizers are offering women a 50% discount on tickets, which are available through multiple online platforms.
For the thousands of Keralites living in Dubai who grew up with Thrissur Pooram, this is a chance to share that experience with their kids and relive a piece of home. And for everyone else, it’s an opportunity to witness one of India’s most spectacular cultural celebrations without leaving the UAE.