This year, however, the scale of celebrations has been reduced following the fireworks blast at Mundathikode which claimed 14 lives. The incident has directly impacted one of the festival's central highlights, prompting revisions to the programme.

While the core rituals of Thrissur Pooram will proceed as usual, fireworks - a key element of the event - will not be held this time. Instead, the celebrations will feature only one symbolic round of crackers, marking a notable departure from the festival's usual display-driven format.

Such curtailments are not without precedent. Over the years, exceptional circumstances have at times led to the cancellation of fireworks or the conduct of the Pooram strictly as ritual ceremonies. These remain rare deviations, but several key instances illustrate how external events have reshaped the festival.

1. 1948 - Gandhi's assassination

In January 1948, following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, that year's Pooram celebrations were significantly restricted. As a mark of respect, fireworks and festivities were curtailed, and the Pooram was conducted only as ceremonial rituals.

2. 1962 - India-China war

In 1962, during the India-China war, the country was under a state of heightened security concern. Amid wartime conditions, it was deemed inappropriate to allocate resources for celebrations, and fireworks were completely avoided. The Pooram was limited to ritual observances.

3. 1971 - India-Pakistan war

Against the backdrop of the Bangladesh Liberation War (India-Pakistan war), the 1971 Thrissur Pooram was again scaled down. With security concerns and national priorities dominating, the festival was conducted with minimal ceremonial proceedings and without fireworks.

4. 2016 - Puttingal tragedy

One of the most significant disruptions in Pooram history occurred in 2016, following a fireworks tragedy at the Puttingal temple in Kollam just days before the festival. In the aftermath, the High Court imposed stringent restrictions on fireworks. A proposed ban on loud night-time displays was argued by devaswoms to undermine the festival's spirit. In protest over denial of permission, the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu devaswoms initially decided to conduct the Pooram only as a ceremonial event. Subsequently, the High Court granted limited permission under strict safety norms, restricting loud explosives and emphasising visual elements over sound.

5. 2020 - COVID-19 pandemic

For the first time in its history, Thrissur Pooram was completely cancelled in 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown. No elephants, fireworks or public participation were permitted. Only essential ritual ceremonies were conducted inside the temple, with participation limited to five individuals.

6. 2021 - COVID second wave

In 2021, the festival returned in a highly restricted form. Although initial plans were made with limitations, the worsening second wave led to tighter controls. Public entry was prohibited, and fireworks were conducted only in a highly limited manner to ensure essential rituals could continue.

7. Fireworks during daytime (2024)

In 2024, fireworks were not cancelled but their timing became a point of contention. Disputes over police restrictions led to a historic shift, with the main fireworks - traditionally held before dawn - taking place in daylight. Alleging excessive curbs, the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu devaswoms temporarily halted proceedings. Following discussions involving Revenue Minister K. Rajan, district administration, and devaswom representatives, the fireworks were eventually held at 7.10 am, with Paramekkavu performing first, followed by Thiruvambady.