Fireworks accidents and disasters caused by explosions at firecracker manufacturing and storage sites are not new news to Kerala. The number of accidents naturally increases during the months of February and March, when there are many temple festivals. The first incident of this year among them is the firecracker explosion accident at the Choorakad Thrippunithura, which resulted in the death of two people and major damage. Explosives transported by Tempo Traveler from Thiruvananthapuram for the festival fireworks at Puthiyakavu Bhagavathi Temple exploded accidentally. One of the dead is the driver of this vehicle. Sixteen people injured in the blast are undergoing treatment. More than 100 houses in a radius of one kilometre were severely damaged. It is unfortunate that apart from praying every time that the tragedies do not recur, nobody has any vigilance to prevent such mishaps related to fireworks.

The person who had contracted fireworks at Puthiyakavu Bhagavathi Temple had not renewed the license in his mother's name after her death. The temple authorities, on the other hand, did not take permission for this year's fireworks. The warehouse, which was located in an area full of houses, also had no legal storage permit. Thus, it can be said that the Puthiyakavu accident was the result of violations at all levels related to the conduct of fireworks. The point is that the accident was imminent. There are many levels of licensing, rules and regulations and strict safety standards for the manufacture and storage of explosives and fireworks. The authorities often turn a blind eye to many violations of the law in the name of ritualism, customs, sentiments of devotees, etc. Information about violations of laws comes out only after accidents and disasters have occurred!

To prevent accidents, the district administration imposes various levels of bans on the display of fireworks in the respective districts or announces strict restrictions on the fireworks materials that can be used. On such occasions, the temple officials and organizers usually approach the courts, get temporary permission and override the bans. Obtaining this permission may be done by misleading the district administration, police etc. and even by giving an affidavit that adequate security measures have been put in place. There will only be a place for excitement and insistence on making a spectacular display of fireworks by any means, without thinking about the dangers or preparations. Devotees also will not have any other mentality.

Thousands of temples and other places of worship in the state are set to celebrate festivals and display fireworks over the next two months. Fireworks have become a festive item not only in Hindu temples but also in places of worship of other religions. Firework displays are conducted by collecting large sums of money from devotees and local business establishments and spending crores of rupees. In multiple villages and localities, what is being performed is the banned practice of competitive fireworks displays. It is not enough for just the government, the police or the district collector, but also for the general public to take precautions and insist that the firecrackers that create the wonder of colours and the sound of the festival should be safely handled.