After Thrissur Pooram Tragedy, Devaswom Board Leaves Fireworks Decision to Govt
In the wake of the massive tragedy that claimed 14 lives in Thrissur, the officials connected with the Thrissur Pooram festival have left it to the government to decide on the fireworks associated with the festival
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After a tragic incident in Thrissur that claimed 14 lives, officials connected to the Thrissur Pooram festival have left the decision about its fireworks to the government.
Kerala’s grandest temple festival, Thrissur Pooram, is set for April 26. The fireworks happen twice during the celebrations - first with the “Sample Firecracker Display” on the evening before the Pooram, and then the main show in the early hours of the day after the Pooram.
In the wake of the massive tragedy that claimed 14 lives in Thrissur, the officials connected with the Thrissur Pooram festival have left it to the government to decide on the fireworks associated with the festival.
The Thrissur Pooram which is Kerala's grandest temple festival, is scheduled to be held on April 26.
The fireworks associated with Thrissur Pooram take place on two occasions during the festival period. The first display occurs in the evening, one day before the Pooram, and is known as the "Sample Firecracker Display." The main fireworks display, however, takes place in the early hours of the morning on the day following the Pooram.
In the wake of this horrific tragedy, a debate is currently underway regarding whether or not the fireworks should continue to be conducted on the same scale as before. It is suggested that, solely to uphold customs and traditions, the fireworks display could be conducted on a smaller scale.
The Paramekkavu Devaswom authorities said that the Devaswom Board would abide by the government's decision on the issue.
The Thiruvambady Devaswom Board also expressed similar sentiments. While terming the incident as extremely unfortunate, the Devaswom authorities said that it was up to the Government to take a call on the fireworks for the Pooram festival.
The Devaswom Officials are in favour of having discussions with the Devaswom Minister, public, government officials and organisations associated with the festival and all stakeholders before arriving at a decision.
The Devaswom officials say that the priority is to extend all support to the families of the deceased and also make arrangements for the last rites of the victims.
