Thrissur Pooram to Proceed Without Fireworks; All Other Rituals Including Kudamattam Approved

Thrissur: A high-level meeting convened today has decided that the Thrissur Pooram will be held as scheduled but without fireworks, following the catastrphic explosion at the Thiruvambadi Devaswom's fireracker manufacturing unit at Mundathikode that has claimed 15 lives so far.

The meeting approved the conduct of all other traditional ceremonies of the Pooram in full, including the iconic Kudamattam with 15 elephants to be lined up for the event. The Ilanjithara Melam, Cheruppoorams, Madathil Varavu, and all other associated rituals will take place as planned.

The Paramekkavu Devaswom had argued at the morning session that fireworks should be held, but ministers attending the meeting made clear that conducting fireworks in the current circumstances was not feasible on both legal and technical grounds. The fireworks materials already prepared for Paramekkavu's display have been sealed.

The Thiruvambadi Devaswom has announced that it will observe mourning until April 24 in the wake of the Mundathikode tragedy, with only the Parayeduppu ceremonies taking place during this period. The caparison display — traditionally a grand public spectacle as part of the Pooram — has also been curtailed to a single day.

The decision ensures that one of Asia's most celebrated festivals will go ahead in a form that honours its essential traditions while paying sombre respect to the victims of Tuesday's tragedy.