Tragic end to temple festival as food poisoning claims life; over 350 hospitalised

KANNUR: A 70-year-old man, who was undergoing treatment for food poisoning after consuming 'prasada sadya' at a temple festival, passed away on Thursday morning. The deceased has been identified as Vijayan, a resident of Kara Peravoor in Mattanur.

The mass food poisoning occurred during a festival at the Madappura Muthappan Temple in Mattanur Kara Puthiyedam. Vijayan, who had been admitted to the AKG Cooperative Hospital in Kannur, succumbed to his illness early Thursday.

Reports indicate that more than 350 people sought medical attention at various hospitals across Kannur, Thalassery, and Mattanur after consuming the ritual feast (sadya) on the second day of the festival (April 6).

Preliminary reports suggest that the poisoning may have originated from the 'Pachadi' served during the meal. The Health Department has collected food samples and sent them for laboratory examination to confirm the source of contamination. Those affected suffered from physical discomforts including severe diarrhea, high fever, and intense headaches. Hospital admissions began to spike on the afternoon of April 7 as people arrived in large numbers seeking urgent care.

While many have been discharged, several individuals remain under observation in hospitals across the district. Following a postmortem examination, Vijayan’s body was cremated at the Porora Municipal Crematorium at 7:00 PM on Thursday. He is survived by his wife, Shantha, and three brothers: Kausu, Krishnan, and Sahajan.