By Kundur Sathya Narayanan and Nida Hassan, CNBC-TV18

It's time once again for the colourful Thrissur Pooram in Kerala. The festival starts on April 16 and preparations are on in full swing.

The historic Thrissur Pooram is just under a week away and round-the clock preparations are on at the two temples, Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu, that are the centre of this 200-year old festival. The colourful parasols are all but ready and the elephants' headgear is getting its final polish. The temples have got a fresh coat of paint.

Preparations are also underway for a spectacular fireworks display. Around 35 different kinds of umbrellas are exchanged during the Kudamattam on the festival grounds. The color of parasols of the two temples varies.

"We make the designs in various colors. 30 artists are working here for the last five months to make these umbrellas and other items,” said Babu, an artist.

Thanks to their efforts, it's all set for another colourful Pooram.