KOLLAM: The residents near the Puttingal temple in Paravur are still terrified over the fireworks tragedy that claimed 110 lives and injured hundreds of others a year ago. The temple committee has decided to avoid entertainment and stage programmes and conduct only the rituals during the Meenabharani festival to be held from March 24 to 30. “The committee has decided to do pujas and other rituals avoiding all celebrations. Following a ‘devapresnam’ held at the temple, it has been decided to revive a pond that was filled up earlier. A proposed flag post will not be put up and the partial construction of ‘nalambalam’ around the temple will be dismantled,” said R. Vinod, a local resident, who was also injured in the accident.
“I struggled for almost a month with burns on my back. I was unable to wear a shirt too. Several injured in the accident are recovering while some who were seriously injured are yet to recover. Many families lost their bread-winners” he added. Several people who survived with serious burns cannot make a living on their own. A number of people including women and children still suffer from the mental trauma. A ritual ‘Kuruthi’, will take place at the temple on Friday night, after which it will be closed for seven days. The flag will be hoisted at the commencement of the festival.
