Thrissur Pooram

This one is historical rather than mythological, which is unusual. In 1796 the temples around Thrissur arrived late to the Arattupuzha Pooram because of heavy rain and were refused entry to the procession. They complained to Sakthan Thampuran, Maharaja of Cochin, who responded by founding a new and grander pooram at the Vadakkumnathan temple in Thrissur. It has since eclipsed the one that excluded them.

Two rival temple groups, Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi, stage competing processions with caparisoned elephants facing each other. Kudamattam, a rapid exchange of brilliantly coloured ceremonial umbrellas, each side trying to outdo the other. Ilanjithara Melam, a percussion ensemble of hundreds of players. Madathil Varavu panchavadyam. And a fireworks display before dawn.

Not food-centred; it's a spectacle festival.

Thrissur specifically. Other poorams, Arattupuzha, Thirumandhamkunnu, Nalukulangara, follow the same form at other temples and other nakshatras.