Kollam temple fire fallout: Orthodox Church bans fireworks display

But occasional accidents no reason to ban fireworks, says a Devaswom official.

Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has banned pyrotechnic displays as part of church festivals.

In a statement, supreme head of the church Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan Baselios Marthoma Paulose II called upon the members of the community to extend their wholehearted support to the victims of the Kollam temple fire accident. He made it clear that pyrotechnic displays have been banned in Orthodox churches.

Meet ahead of Pooram

Meanwhile, the Thrissur district administration has called a special meeting on Monday to discuss safety measures ahead of the Thrissur Pooram, scheduled for April 17. “Though it is not practical to ban fireworks, stringent measures will be taken to ensure that Pooram organisers stick to all safety guidelines,” District Collector V. Ratheeshan said.

Occasional accidents during fireworks display should not be a reason to ban fireworks, said Prof. M. Madhavankutty, President of the Thiruvambady Devaswom, a major Pooram participant.