But the preparations for the festival starts well before that. It all kicks off with Trissur Pooram-Exhibition which begins usually on the 1st of April. Things ranging from exquisitely carved wood products to bangles, ribbons and other sundry items will be on display during this exhibition. A part of the sprawling Thekkinkadu Maidan, near the eastern entrance to Vadakkunathan Kshetram, is the venue for this. With the arrival of the exhibition in the city there is an air of expectancy and excitement in the air.
People get into a festive mood and throng the exhibition in hundreds each day.
During the olden days, temples were a place for meetings. These meetings were announced from the temple flagposts. The present day function is reminiscent of those days. The 'pandal', a towering structure made of bamboo, gets erected in three main spots- Manikandanal,Naduvilal and Naikanal. It is illuminated using coloured bulbs and this brings a special beauty to the whole structure.