Thrissur: In the wake of the Mundathikode explosion, it has been decided to omit fireworks for this year’s Thrissur Pooram. The decision was taken at a meeting held at the Thrissur Collectorate around 10:30 am, attended by officials of the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Devaswoms along with government authorities.

This year’s Pooram will be conducted as a ritual-based celebration. As part of this, the grandeur of the Kudamattam (ceremonial exchange of parasols) will be reduced, with fewer than 10 parasols to be exchanged.

Usually, fireworks are conducted during the conclusion of the Pooram. But this year they will be replaced with the bursting of kathina (loud crackers). The number of elephants and the percussion ensemble will remain unchanged, with 15 elephants on each side participating.

The customary daytime fireworks after the daytime Pooram have also been cancelled. There will be no changes in providing elephants to sub-temples or in the associated processions.