Necessary steps will be taken to conduct Pooram: Kerala

The UNESCO has adjudged Pooram as the ‘most spectacular festival event on the planet’. As people cutting across religions and politics protested against the restrictions imposed on the festival, state Forest Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan withdrew an order issued by his department imposing curbs on elephant procession – a major attraction of the Pooram. 

The tradition was initiated 200 years ago by renowned King of Kochi kingdom, Sakthan Thampuran. The Forest Department had on Wednesday issued notice to two major Devaswoms organising the Pooram imposing restrictions on parading elephants. 

The order stated that no elephants should be paraded during day time and a four-meter distance must be kept between elephants during the procession.

“There will be no such restrictions for this year’s Pooram. We will ensure all necessary steps for a smooth conduct of the festival,” Radhakrishnan said in Kottayam on Thursday as many rallied behind Thiruvampady and Paramekkavu Devaswoms in a protest dharna against the restrictions imposed on the festival. 

Archbishop of Catholic Church in Thrissur, Mar Andrews Thazhathu, joined the protest being held at the gates of famous Vadakkumnatha Temple. “What is Thrissur without pooram,” he asked. He urged the government to take necessary steps to ensure safety and security for smooth conduct of the festival. 

Keralites on Thursday celebrated a low key ‘Vishu’ in the backdrop of Kollam temple tragedy which had left 114 dead and over 350 injured. 

Vishu falls in the Malayalam month of ‘Medam’ and people look ahead to a year of plenty and prosperity.

People woke up in the early hours to see the auspicious ‘Vishukkani’ symbolising hope, promise and fine prospects they wish to have in the year ahead.