For a Keralite, the smell of burnt gunpowder mixed with the scent of jasmine and night dew is the olfactory signature of festivity . Poorukal represents:

അകലത്തെ ബന്ധുവിനേക്കാൾ അരികത്തെ ശത്രു നല്ലത്.

While each region hosts its unique version of the festival, most Poorukal share iconic elements that make them visually and aurally stunning:

Performed by men from various communities, including Thiyya, Maniyani, Chaliya, and Asari.