Will Thrissur Pooram happen this year? What tourists need to know

Following the explosion at the Thrissur Pooram fireworks storage facility on Tuesday, which killed 13 and injured several people, the authorities have called for a meeting to decide whether the event should proceed this year. It will be held at 10.30 am on Thursday, said Kerala Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan. Meanwhile, the Devaswom Secretary of the Thiruvambady Temple, one of the main players of the pooram, said that they have decided to do away with celebrations and fireworks this year. The Secretary, K Girish Kumar, said that in the meantime, they will follow the government's directions on how to proceed with the ceremonies this year. The tragedy unfolded at a field in Thrissur's Mundathikkodu, where Thiruvambady's fireworks for the pooram were being put together. 

G Rajesh, the Secretary of Paramekkavu Devaswom, also said that the decision on avoiding fireworks at Thrissur Pooram this year will be taken after discussing with the government. There are also speculations that the pooram ceremonies might take place this year without the festivities, though the final decision will only be made at the meeting tomorrow. So far, 13 people have been confirmed dead in the explosion. Around 11 people are admitted to the Government Medical College, Thrissur and among them, five are critical. 

Fourth similar blast
This is the fourth similar incident in the history of Thrissur Pooram, which is considered the biggest temple festival of Kerala. The first was in 1978, in which eight people lost their lives. In 2004 and 2006, firework accidents also occurred. The largest number of deaths related to a Thrissur Pooram fireworks accident has happened this year. The Kerala Government has also declared the tragic explosion a state disaster and has announced a judicial investigation into the incident.