Fireworks displays at the iconic Thrissur Pooram have been cancelled this year following an accident at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode.
The decision was taken at a meeting held on Thursday involving officials and stakeholders associated with the festival. Authorities decided to conduct the Pooram with only traditional rituals, omitting the much-anticipated fireworks events.
Earlier, Paramekkavu Devaswom Secretary Rajesh had indicated that the sample fireworks could be avoided. However, a subsequent high-level meeting concluded that all fireworks displays, including the main and sample events, would be cancelled.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi also attended the meeting. Representatives stated that the tragedy and the victims affected by the accident could not be overlooked while making decisions about the celebration.
As part of the revised plan, the ceremonial “Kudamattam” (umbrella exchange) will be held on a smaller scale and limited to 15 minutes. The competitive aspect of the display will be symbolic rather than elaborate.
There will be no change in the number of elephants participating in the festival. Both Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady Devaswoms will parade 15 elephants each for the Kudamattam ceremony.
The scaled-down celebration reflects a balance between maintaining tradition and showing respect to those affected by the recent tragedy.
