MMDE Thrissur Pooram Season 6 Arrives In Dubai With Padma Shri Jayaram As Chief Guest

Dubai hosts MMDE Thrissur Pooram Season 6 from today, December 1, at Etisalat Academy, bringing one of the UAE’s most anticipated Kerala cultural festivals to the city. Entry is free on the opening day, while tickets for December 2 events are available via platinumlist.net.

Created by MMDE Thrissur UAE and produced by Equity Plus Advertising, the festival is powered by HIT 96.7 FM and positions itself as a major gathering for Malayalees. This year’s edition highlights themes of unity, nostalgia and cultural pride, with extensive temple arts and percussion performances.

Padma Shri Jayaram serves as Chief Guest, adding prominence through his association with Kerala’s temple traditions. He appears alongside Padma Shri Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar and Ilanjithara Melam maestro Kizhakkoott Aniyan Marar, whose presence underlines the focus on classical percussion heritage throughout the two-day programme.

Opening-day events on December 1 feature the eight Ghataka Poorams, traditional temple-style groups considered central to Thrissur Pooram.

Audiences can attend a Panchari Melam led by Paramekkavu Abhishek, noted as Thrissur Pooram’s youngest “Melapramani,” anchoring the percussion segment of the first day.

An Anachamayam presentation, displaying elephant caparisons, ornamental umbrellas and ceremonial décor, converts Etisalat Academy into a representation of Thrissur.

Organisers describe it as a rare chance to observe this extensive arrangement outside India, aligning visual elements closely with the original Kerala festival setting.

The second day on December 2, is described as a historic convergence, marking the first occasion outside Kerala where Padma Shri Jayaram, Padma Shri Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar and Kizhakkoott Aniyan Marar appear together on the same stage, highlighting their collective contribution to temple arts.

On December 2, programming includes Ilanjithara Melam, Panchavadyam, Nadaswaram, Kudamattam, Muthukuda processions, Shinkari Melam, Machad Mamankam, Kavadi and a Mega Thiruvathira.

Robotic elephants introduce a modern element to the traditional line-up, while a 40-foot Poorappandal serves as the visual focal point.

The festival ends with a cultural finale featuring live performances by Job Kurian and Sayonara, followed by a DJ Night powered by DJ JM5, combining contemporary music with the preceding traditional segments to close the two-day schedule at Etisalat Academy.

Nikai MMDE Thrissur Pooram Season 6 is presented by 10X Properties, created by MMDE Thrissur UAE Official and produced by Equity Plus Advertising. It is brought by Vatika Naturals, powered by Bhima Jewellers and celebrated by Kannan Ravi Group, with support from Car Experts, Reema Spices, KSFE Pravasi Chitty and Exo Dishwash.

Media partners for the event are Dailyhunt, OneArabia, Asianet News, Zee Keralam, HIT 96.7 FM and Gilli FM, providing coverage to audiences across the UAE and the wider region as the Kerala festival is staged in Dubai across two consecutive days.