Thrissur Pooram can be conducted without fireworks; Paramekkavu Devaswom clarifies stand

THRISSUR: In the wake of the Mundathikode disaster, the Paramekkavu Devaswom has suggested conducting the Thrissur Pooram festival without fireworks. The Devaswom said that when a fireworks accident occurred in 2006, all rituals of the Pooram were carried out, and a similar approach is being widely supported in the meeting held today. The decisions taken at this meeting will be presented at another meeting scheduled for tomorrow, after which a final decision will be made.

During the 2006 incident, all major rituals, including Kudamattam, were held. It was suggested that fireworks, if at all, could be conducted in a symbolic manner. However, steps must be taken to safely dispose of the fireworks that have already been prepared. About Rs 75 lakh has been spent, reflecting nearly nine months of work by many people. Hence, the general sentiment is to carry out all the traditional rituals. Representatives of Paramekkavu said this will be conveyed at tomorrow’s meeting.

The meeting will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday at the Thrissur Collectorate, with participation from concerned Devaswoms and officials. Decisions regarding the future course of the festival will be taken there.

Meanwhile, Thiruvambady Devaswom has announced that it will not conduct fireworks this year. Secretary K. Gireesh Kumar said there is no suspicion of sabotage in the accident. He added that the Devaswom will act according to the decisions of the government and public sentiment.

He also said that this is not a situation to celebrate the festival in a grand manner. The focus is on supporting the families of those who died and those who were injured. Five members of the Thiruvambady Devaswom’s festival committee were affected in the accident. The Devaswom has also welcomed any investigation into the incident.