Efforts to 'destroy festivals' kicks up protest in Kerala

Officials of various departments have issued circulars restricting fireworks and parading of elephants during festivals, inviting the wrath of festival enthusiasts

Alleging that government officials were trying to destroy the traditional festivals, Kerala Festival Coordination Committee is planning agitation in the state. They are putting impractical restrictions and triggers unwanted controversy over the conduct of festivals, the committee complained.

Officials of various departments have issued circulars restricting fireworks and parading of elephants during festivals, inviting the wrath of festival enthusiasts and organisers. As the first move, the committee will take out a march to the Thrissur District Collectorate on 15 February. 

The Festival Coordination Committee alleged that the ministers don't dare to take action against officials who acted against the will of the government in the conduct of festivals. Even after the ministers convened a meeting to remove the restrictions and proposed measures for the smooth conduct of festivals, the problems remain unsolved, the committee pointed out. 

Various court verdicts had gone against parading elephants for festivals and put restrictions to mitigate the pressure on the wild animal, making it practically difficult for the festival organisers to comply with. After the Puttingal Temple fireworks tragedy last year in which over 100 people died, the government is very cautious in giving permission to the fireworks display at festivals. 

Kerala government had decided to impose restrictions on parading elephants during festivals citing that it amounted to torture.  Taking the cue from the Jallikattu protests, the festival enthusiasts are moving ahead with their plan to oppose the restrictions imposed by various courts and government on parading elephants during temple festivals.