Thrissur: A final decision on Kerala's iconic Thrissur Pooram festival will be taken Thursday, following a 10:30am meeting between Devaswom authorities and district officials, permitted by the High Court.
The call comes days after Tuesday's deadly fireworks explosion killed 13 workers and injured 13 others now receiving treatment across Kerala hospitals.
Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan stressed no unilateral government decision, promising collective consultations with Devaswom bodies and stakeholders to navigate the tragedy's sensitivities.
He will stay in Thrissur until resolved and confirmed a special Cabinet meeting today to address public safety and festival impacts. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is absent, undergoing medical treatment, with senior officials coordinating relief and probes.
Held annually at Vadakkunnathan Temple on Pooram day in Medam (Malayalam calendar), the week-long event draws over 1 million visitors as India's grandest pooram and one of Asia's largest festivals. Its glittering fireworks finale was set for Monday.
Authorities now weigh cultural significance against safety in the tragedy's shadow.
(Inputs from IANS)