Fireworks tragedy: Holding of Kerala's famous Thrissur Pooram to be decided tomorrow

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Amid the tragedy, a remarkable story of survival has emerged. 70-year-old Wilson, a veteran fireworks maker popularly known in the trade as “Cracker Wilson”, narrowly escaped the explosion.

In a moment of presence of mind, he also helped four women reach safety before sustaining minor injuries himself. He is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital. Wilson, who has been in the fireworks manufacturing business for 45 years, said he was never afraid of the work he did. However, under strong pressure from his children, he has decided to step away from his lifelong profession.

“Eventually, I have to listen to my children. After such a long innings, I have decided to end my cracker-making career,” he said, marking an emotional end to a decade-long association with the trade.

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A FINAL decision on the conduct of the annual Hindu temple festival Thrissur Pooram will be taken on Thursday following a crucial meeting between the Devaswom authorities and the district administration scheduled at 10:30 A.M.

Devaswom Minister, V.N. Vasavan, said that the High Court has granted permission to convene the meeting, which will be central to determining the future course of the famed festival in the wake of the recent tragedy where 13 people engaged in making the fireworks died in an explosion that took place on Tuesday evening and 13 are currently under treatment across various hospitals in Kerala.

The annual Hindu temple festival, Thrissur Pooram, is held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur every year on Pooram day, the day when the Moon rises with the Pooram star in the Malayalam Calendar month of Medam.

It is the largest and most famous of all poorams in India. Thrissur pooram is also one of the largest festivals in Asia with more than 1 million visitors flocking to it annually.

The week-long Pooram ends with the staging of the glittering firework display that was scheduled for Monday.

Devaswom Minister, V.N. Vasavan clarified that the Kerala government will not take any unilateral decision regarding the Pooram.

He emphasised that the final call will be made only after detailed consultations with the Devaswom bodies and other stakeholders.

He reiterated that the process will be collective and cautious, considering the sensitivity of the situation.

Minister Vasavan also stated that he will remain in Thrissur until the Pooram related issues are fully resolved.

He further confirmed that a special Cabinet meeting will be held today in light of the tragedy and its wider implications on public safety and festival arrangements.

In another key update, the minister informed that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is currently not present at the site as he is undergoing medical treatment.

Despite this, senior officials and ministers are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating relief, investigation, and administrative decisions.

The developments come at a critical moment for Thrissur, as authorities balance the emotional, cultural, and safety considerations surrounding one of Kerala’s most prominent festivals, even as the aftermath of the tragedy continues to unfold.