Published Apr 23, 2026 | 3:09 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 23, 2026 | 3:09 PM
Eyewitnesses said two powerful blasts were heard in quick succession at around 3.30 pm.
Synopsis: Authorities confirmed that the Pooram will be held as a ceremonial event, with key rituals continuing but festivities significantly curtailed. The iconic Kudamattam (umbrella exchange) will be shortened to about 15 minutes, down from its usual hour-long spectacle, with fewer than ten umbrellas to be displayed. The grandeur of the umbrella exchange will be deliberately toned down as a mark of respect following the tragedy.
In a major departure from centuries-old tradition, authorities have decided to conduct this year’s Thrissur Pooram without fireworks following the devastating explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode that claimed multiple lives.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting held at the Collectorate on Thursday, 23 April, morning, attended by officials, Devaswom authorities, and representatives of the participating temples, including Thiruvambady Devaswom and Paramekkavu Devaswom. The meeting was chaired by Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan.
Authorities confirmed that the Pooram will be held as a ceremonial event, with key rituals continuing but festivities significantly curtailed.
The iconic Kudamattam (umbrella exchange) will be shortened to about 15 minutes, down from its usual hour-long spectacle, with fewer than ten umbrellas to be displayed.
The grandeur of the umbrella exchange will be deliberately toned down as a mark of respect following the tragedy.
However, other central rituals—including Ilanjithara Melam, Cherupooram, and Madathil Varavu—will proceed as scheduled, albeit without celebratory excess.
The number of elephants remains unchanged, with 15 elephants lined up on each side, preserving the traditional visual symmetry of the festival.
Fireworks—traditionally the grand finale of the Pooram—have been completely excluded this year due to safety, legal, and technical concerns.
Even the daytime fireworks following the Pakal Pooram have been cancelled. Instead, a “kathina” will be used in place of the elaborate pyrotechnic displays.
The decisions come in the wake of a catastrophic explosion at a fireworks unit in Mundathikode, which was preparing materials for the Thiruvambady section of the Pooram.
The disaster has so far claimed at least 10 lives, with several others critically injured.
In response to the tragedy, the Thiruvambady Devaswom has declared mourning until April 24, during which only essential temple rituals will be conducted.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
