By P Mohan Das Thrissur, May 5 (UNI) Thrissur Pooram, the State's most famous socio-religious festival which dons a carnival garb with curious accessories of elephant parades, traditional percussion ensembles and fire works began this morning in the presence of a sea of humanity that have converged at the Thekinkadu Maidan of Sree Vadakkunnathan temple in the heart of the city. As the last minute hitch is over in the conduct of fire works with some restrictions by the explosive department, it is sure the display will be an added attraction and thousands have started arriving in the city to savour the sights and sounds of the festival. The 30-hour-long ceremonies began early today with the arrival of smaller processions of elephants from the nearly eight temples. The main organisers are the Paramekavu and Thiruvambadi Devasams (temple managing committees) and the idols of participating temples is being taken out in processions to Thekinkadu Maidan, which is considered as a symbolic meeting of gods and godesses on the abode of Sree Vadakkunnathan. The festival is being conducted adhering to all rules and regulations in the light of the fireworks tragedy in Kollam which claimed 113 lives last year. One of the most colourful events of the Pooram is Kudamattam (display of ornamental umbrellas) on top of elephants. The city police have put in place strict security measures with a strong police force with 3,500 civil police officers and 400 senior officers. Police have set up 40 CCTV cameras and shadow police and bomb squads have been kept ready. Pooram owes its present form to Shakthan Thampuran, the architect of modern Thrissur. He unified the ten temples situated around Sree Vadakkunnathan temple and took steps to celebrate Pooram as a mass mela. Over the years, the festival has become a socio-religious event involving all sections of people. It now finds a place even in the list of national festivals. UNI PMD AE SNU 0953