Thrissur, April 23 (HS) : A crucial high-level meeting will be held on Thursday to take a final decision on conducting the iconic Thrissur Pooram in the wake of the devastating Mundathikkode explosion that claimed multiple lives. The meeting is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. at the Thrissur Collectorate and will be attended by ministers, district officials, and representatives of the Paramekkavu Devaswom and Thiruvambady Devaswom.

Both temple bodies have indicated that they favour conducting the festival without fireworks this year, considering the tragic circumstances. Instead, they propose limiting the celebrations to traditional rituals, including the iconic ‘kudamattam’ (umbrella exchange ceremony), while avoiding any display that could pose safety risks.

The devaswoms are expected to formally communicate their stance during the meeting, following widespread public sentiment that the festival—whose preparations began months ago—should not be completely cancelled. Officials said the final call will be taken after consultations between the government and stakeholders.

The Thiruvambady Devaswom has also suggested observing a mourning period until April 24, after which the festival could be conducted in a subdued, ritual-centric manner. Meanwhile, representatives of the Paramekkavu Devaswom said they would abide by whatever decision emerges from the high-level discussions.

The deliberations come in the aftermath of a powerful explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikkode, where materials for the Thiruvambady faction’s display were being prepared. The incident has so far claimed 14 lives, while 12 injured persons are undergoing treatment at a government medical college hospital.

Authorities are under pressure to balance safety concerns with cultural sentiments as they prepare to take a final call on one of Kerala’s most celebrated festivals.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar