THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government will file an appeal through the devaswom boards against the High Court's order banning firecrackers in temples at odd hours. Travancore, Kochi and Malabar Devaswams have been instructed to take further steps.

Devaswom Minister K Radhakrishnan said that it is impossible to hold the festival by avoiding fireworks completely. It has been said that untimely fireworks should be avoided. However, it is not clear which one it is.

The interim order was on a petition to ban firecrackers in the Maradu temple. The order also directed the district collectors to ensure that fireworks are not carried out.

It has been ordered that the gunpowder stored illegally in places of worship should be checked and seized with the help of the district police commissioners as they cause noise and environmental pollution.

Part of rituals

Travancore Devaswom Board President K Anantha Gopan said fireworks are part of rituals. "Abandoning fireworks is equal to abolishing ritual. Devaswom Board will take legal action to get permission. Fireworks can be carried out legally and following safety norms as in the past.", Anantha Gopan said.