No fireworks or Kudamattam: Will Thrissur Pooram to be reduced to mere ritual?

Pooram, known for its colourful fireworks and caparisoned elephants, is a tourist attraction and is held annually. This year, the grand finale of the week-long festivities is slated to be held on May 5.

Restrictions on fireworks had been imposed in the state following the devastating mishap during a firework show at Puttingal Devi Temple at Paravoor in Kollam last year that left 108 people killed and scores severely injured. Last year, Kerala High Court had allowed low-decibel fireworks display in the night during Pooram.

An official of one of the 10 temples participating in the Pooram said they might have to conduct the famous event with bare rituals if permission for fireworks was not granted.

"We have not taken a final decision, but there is a possibility that license for firework might not be given," Paramekkavu Devasowm secretary G Rajesh said. He pointed out that they were ready to downsize the magnitude of the fireworks and also the sound of crackers.

In such a situation, the famed 'Ilanjithara melam', a performance of percussion artists, and also 'Kudamattam', exchange of ornamental umbrella on top of parading elephants, would have to be done away with.

"We will conduct the festival just as a ritual... We will also not conduct the fireworks with crackers made in Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu, the national hub for crackers," he said.

Meanwhile, flags were hoisted at Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady temples, two major players in organising Pooram, and also eight other participating temples on Saturday, marking the beginning of the festivities and rituals associated with it. 

• Thrissur Pooram