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Thrissur Pooram: Plea to ban fireworks
by Juhan Samuel

          Thrissur (Kerala): Social activists have called for a ban on the fireworks show organized here annually on the occasion of Thrissur Pooram, a festival devoted to Lord Shiva. Many have complained that the fireworks create a big nuisance. "The authorities have no license to conduct the fireworks at the Thirssur Pooram. If they have the license, they should make it public. Otherwise, they should stop the final fireworks display. And they should ensure that they stick to the safety norms," said V.K. Venkatachalam, the District President of Public Interest Forum. The temple authorities, however, say all the fire crackers would be burst under due vigilance to avoid any untoward incident and reduce crackers' noise. Thrissur Pooram festival is conducted mainly by temples in Thrissur, "Parmaikkavu and "Thirunambadi". Fireworks form an integral part of the seven-day Thrissur Pooram, the most colourful festival in South India being celebrated on Friday. The festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. On Wednesday (April 25), sample fireworks were held ahead of the festival. The temple authorities maintain that they have every right to mark the occasion with firecrackers following a Court's directions suggesting compliance of certain guidelines while marking the occasions. "There had been an uncertainty on the smooth conduct of fireworks display but now after the court's ruling, we can conduct the same though with certain restrictions," said Madhavan Kutty, President of the Thirunambadi Temple. Last year, the fireworks display had to be cancelled following the death of six Pyrotechnicians, the professionals who create special effects using fire and smoke. Thousands of devotees and visitors throng the temple town to participate in the celebrations. The festival is a magnificent display of pomp and show. It is known for the magnificent display of fireworks, which starts in the early hours and the dazzling display last three to four hours. Caparisoned elephants form a major part of religious festival.
- April 26, 2007

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