Dubai to welcome Kerala’s grandest festival spirit with MMDE Thrissur Pooram 2025

Dubai is gearing up for one of the most spectacular cultural celebrations of the year. Created by MMDE Thrissur UAE, produced by Equity Plus Advertising, and powered by HIT 96.7 FM, the iconic MMDE Thrissur Pooram – Season 6 will take place at Etisalat Academy on December 1 and 2, 2025. Recognised as the UAE’s most authentic recreation of Kerala’s famed Thrissur Pooram, the festival promises two unforgettable days of tradition, rhythm, and community spirit.

This year’s edition is embellished by the presence of Padma Shri Jayaram as chief guest, bringing star power and emotional connection to Malayalees across the region. Known for his deep love for Kerala’s art and temple traditions, Jayaram’s participation — alongside legendary percussion icon Padma Shri Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar makes this season a landmark cultural moment. Adding to the stellar line-up is another titan of temple arts, Kizhakkoott Aniyan Marar, the maestro of Ilanjithara Melam, whose presence firmly positions the event as a gathering of the greatest names in Kerala’s classical percussion heritage.

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Now in its sixth season, MMDE Thrissur Pooram has grown into a powerful symbol of unity and nostalgia for expatriate communities. At the heart of the festival are eight Ghataka Poorams, the traditional temple groups that define the celebration in Kerala. In Dubai, these are represented by respected associations including Manaloor Desam (Karamukku Bhagavathy), Anthikkadans (Panamukkum Pally), Abu Dhabi Malayali Samajam (Chembookkavu), Prachara Chavakkad (Kanimangalam), Elavally Desam (Laloor), Irinjalakuda Desam (Neithalakkavu), Kecherians (Ayyanthole), and The Bankers’ Club UAE (Choorakkottukavu). Together, they transform the festival into a grand collaborative platform, strengthening cultural bonds between expatriate communities and their ancestral roots.

A visually stunning highlight is Anachamayam — the majestic display of elephant caparisons, ornamental umbrellas, and ceremonial décor that symbolise the grandeur of Thrissur Pooram. Faithfully recreated in Dubai, Anachamayam brings the splendour of Kerala’s temple grounds to life, turning Etisalat Academy into a vibrant slice of Thrissur.

Day one, with free entry for all, showcases the eight Ghataka Poorams and an electrifying Panchari Melam led by Paramekkavu Abhishek, Pooram’s youngest “Melapramani."

Day two builds to a resounding crescendo with the rare and historic coming together of Padma Shri Jayaram, Padma Shri Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar, and Ilanjithara Melam maestro Kizhakkoott Aniyan Marar on the same platform — an extraordinary convergence outside Kerala. The celebrations also include a custom-built 40-foot Poorappandal, Ilanjithara Melam, Panchavadyam, Nadaswaram, Kudamattam, Muthukuda processions, Shinkari Melam, Machad Mamankam, Kavadi, Mega Thiruvathira, and even robotic elephants that add a contemporary twist to traditional splendour.

Presented by 10X Properties, created by MMDE Thrissur UAE Official, and co-organised by Equity Plus, MMDE Thrissur Pooram 2025 stands as a shining example of how heritage, artistry, and community partnership can turn Dubai into the global stage for Kerala’s grandest festival.