Thrissur: Amid rising uncertainty surrounding the Thrissur Pooram festivities due to issues with elephant parades and firecracker restrictions, Union Minister Suresh Gopi has assured organisers that obstacles to firecrackers will be lifted, paving the way for a successful Pooram celebration. 

The actor-politician made this assurance during a meeting with representatives from Thrissur Pooram, Nenmara-Vallangi Vela and other festivals at Prathyaksha Niketan College.

This comes in the wake of Gopi’s previous public silence on the firecracker issue, as he has been working on measures to reduce the firecracker restrictions for smoother festival operations.

In the wake of these developments, there are ongoing meetings among various Pooram organisers. Representatives of several festivals in and around Thrissur have been gathering to discuss strategies and share insights. The press conference held on Monday at the Paramekkavu Agraharam marked the beginning of these collaborative efforts, with representatives from prominent festivals such as Thiruvambadi, Paramekkavu, Uthralikavu and Peruvanam-Aarattupuzha attending. Also, participants from Thrissur's major festival temples were present, and it is learned that they plan to convene a larger meeting soon.

Meetings have also been taking place in Kottayam, Kollam and Palakkad districts, indicating a broader trend of collaboration among Pooram organisers. Various organisations are calling for these gatherings, including a recent meeting by the Kerala Festival Coordination Committee, which saw over 130 representatives from various temples participate. The meeting specifically invited representatives from temples where firecrackers are traditionally used, including a delegate from the Pavaratty Church.

In light of these discussions, some groups are contemplating meetings to voice their opposition to restrictions on firecrackers. Discussions are ongoing for a meeting in Thrissur, led by firecracker license holders as well. 

As Suresh Gopi expressed confidence that firecracker restrictions would be eased, he also emphasised the need for state government pressure to ensure the implementation of a legal amendment allowing elephants from other states to be brought to Kerala. 

Among those participating in discussions representing Thrissur Pooram were Thiruvambadi Devaswom secretary K Girish Kumar, vice president Prashant Menon, president of Paramekkavu Devaswom Dr M Balagopal and secretary G Rajesh.