The Thrissur Pooram this year will be held without fireworks and with significantly scaled-down 'kudamattam' ceremonies following the explosion at a fireworks unit in Mundathikode that killed 10 people.
The decision was taken at a meeting attended by government representatives, including Devaswom minister VN Vasavan and Union minister of state and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi.
The move to scale down the festivities is aimed at respecting public sentiments and chiefly those of the families of the 10 persons who were killed while assembling explosives for the 'sample vedikettu' (fireworks display) of the Thrissur Pooram.
At least 12 people, who are gravely injured, are undergoing treatment in hospitals while three others are still missing.
Essential rituals of the Pooram, including the 'Ilanjithara melam' (percussion ensemble), will be conducted, but there will be no display of fireworks.
A single 'kathina' (cracker) will be burst as part of the Pooram rituals.
