KOTTAYAM: Even while pressure is mounting on the State Government to ban pyrotechnic shows in shrines after the fire cracker display at Puttingal temple in Paravoor near Kollam ended up in disaster claiming the lives of more than 106 people, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is seemingly not to bend to any pressure.
The Board, which is entrusted with the administration of as many as 1,248 temples in the Central and Southern parts of the state, is not likely to put a ban on pyrotechnics in its temples.
Speaking to ‘Express’, Devaswom Board president Prayar Gopalakrishnan said that the Board was not in favour of a ban on pyrotechnics as such shows were part of ritual. "In many temples, pyrotechnics is part of temple rituals and tradition. As a ritual, it should be maintained, at least for namesake. How can we ban elephants in temple festivals, when the holy idol (thidampu) must be taken on an elephant as part of the ritual? Government should not interfere in the rituals and beliefs of the people," he said.
Gopalakrishnan, however, added that TDB has issued an urgent circular to all the temples under it directing that the pyrotechnics should be done only in compliance with rules and regulations. "Conducting of all the fireworks, including ritualistic fire crackers and pyrotechnics, should be in strict compliance of rules. However, competitive display of fireworks should not be allowed, which we have mentioned in our circular to avoid these kind of tragedies," he said.
At the same time, Board member Ajay Tharayil expressed a voice of difference saying he stands for a total ban on major fireworks, other than ‘kathina' (a kind of ritualistic fire cracker offering) in temples.
"We have given strict direction not to conduct ‘kambakkettu' (major fireworks) during this season. This will be applicable to temples where festivals are under way. The Board will meet soon to chalk out a permanent decision in this regard," he said.