Pappanji effigy not to be burnt this time; Organizers cancel New Year events in Fort Kochi

KOCHI: Despite securing a high court order to burn the effigy of giant Pappanji, the event organizers decided to cancel the practice this year. The organizers informed that the programs, including the burning of Pappanji, have been cancelled due to the demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The events directly conducted by the Carnival Committee in Kochi have been completely cancelled.

The Pappanji burning and Carnival Rally held at Fort Kochi ground has been cancelled. Fort Kochi Deputy Collector Meera has informed about this through a press release. Meanwhile, the Christmas celebrations planned at Veli Ground in Kochi will continue unhindered. The burning of the effigy of Pappanji will be conducted here, along with a slew of other Christmas programs.

Pappanji effigies were installed in Fort Kochi parade ground and Veli maidan, under the leadership of the Carnival Committee and Gala De respectively. However, the police decided to allow the burning of only one of these effigies. The organizers were called to the station and instructed to remove the 40 ft Pappanji placed in the outdoor field. Police cited security reasons for the decision. The Gala De organizers approached the High Court and secured permission to burn the effigy at Veli Maidan.