Thrissur Pooram 2025 arrives at Zabeel Park on Saturday, November 15, 2025, running from 16:00 to 23:00 with a packed cultural program. The second festival day continues on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 09:00 to 23:00 for those who want the full experience. Arrive early to clear the gate and catch the opening ceremonies. The Saturday program runs 16:00–23:00.
What to expect at the festival
Organisers recreate Kerala’s iconic Pooram with traditional percussion, umbrella displays, and processions adapted for Dubai’s family audience. You’ll find a Kerala food village, exhibition stalls, and dedicated kids’ zones, plus a spectacle of caparisoned figures and staged processions. Signage and marshals help you navigate between stages and activity areas. Park entry is included in festival tickets.
Artists and performances
Across the two days, the lineup features percussion ensembles like Panchari Melam and Ilanjithara Melam alongside Nadaswaram and Kavadiyattam troupes. Additionally, expect guest appearances and live sets from well-known Malayalam artists and anchors throughout the program. Day one emphasizes ceremonies, percussion showcases, and evening highlights; day two scales up with large-ensemble performances. Schedules remain subject to on-site adjustments as segments overrun. Timings may shift slightly on the day.
Tickets and pricing
Tiered tickets are available with categories for ladies, gents, and kids, plus two-day passes for enthusiasts. As guidance, child tickets start from approximately AED 15, while adult categories typically range from approximately AED 20 to AED 120 depending on phase and bundle. Multi-buy deals exist for families and groups who plan to attend both days. Always bring photo ID for age verification at the gate. Prices are approximately and may change.
Location and access
The festival hub sits at Zabeel Park, Gate 1 and Gate 3, Za’abeel – Al Kifaf, near Al Jafiliya Metro Station. Wayfinding boards direct you from the gates to the main arena, food courts, and rest areas. If you need venue assistance, staff at the information point can help with seating and child-friendly facilities. Follow event signage on arrival.
Public transport and parking
Because Zabeel Park borders the Red Line, Al Jafiliya Metro Station offers the most reliable access for peak hours. If you drive, expect heavy demand for on-site and roadside bays, especially after 17:00; consider using nearby paid parking and walking in. Taxis and ride-hailing have assigned drop-off points close to Gate 1 to reduce gridlock. Parking capacity is limited near prime time.
Crowd, safety, and suitability
This is a family-friendly community festival with moments of high volume from drums and horns; sensitive guests may prefer earplugs during melam performances. Stroller routes exist along the main paths, yet crowds thicken around processions and stage fronts. Security and medical teams patrol continuously, so flag any issue quickly. Children must remain under close supervision.
Coming from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman
From Abu Dhabi, follow E11 toward Bur Dubai, then exit for Zabeel Park; plan 70–90 minutes on a Saturday evening. From Sharjah or Ajman, E311 and E11 both work, but weekend flow often slows at Al Garhoud and Trade Centre, so consider Metro park-and-ride and continue to Al Jafiliya. Alternatively, book a taxi to a nearby Metro station and walk the final stretch. Start early to avoid evening bottlenecks.
Weather and clothing tips
Saturday evening in mid-November usually sits around 27–29 °C at 16:00, cooling to about 25–26 °C by 23:00 with low rain chances and a light breeze. Therefore, choose breathable fabrics, comfortable walking shoes, and a light layer for late hours; bring water and sunscreen for late afternoon sun. Consider soft ear protection for young children during large percussion ensembles. Hydrate regularly throughout the evening.
Warnings and closing advice
Expect the heaviest arrivals between 17:00 and 19:30 and the longest taxi queues after the closing segments. Metro platforms can be busy at 22:30–23:30, so allow extra time for your return. Ticket tiers and door prices remain “approximately” and can move with demand; keep a payment card ready. Make your reservation before it’s too late! According to information provided by the editor of www.few.ae, early ticket holders secure quicker entry at Gate 1 and better viewing space near the main percussion stage.
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