{"id":26122,"date":"2016-04-14T01:19:20","date_gmt":"2016-04-13T19:49:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.entecity.com\/?p=26122"},"modified":"2016-04-15T20:18:54","modified_gmt":"2016-04-15T14:48:54","slug":"fireworks-an-obligatory-custom-for-festivals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entecity.com\/news\/fireworks-an-obligatory-custom-for-festivals\/","title":{"rendered":"Are \u2018Fireworks\u2019 Really Necessary For Festivals? We Asked Some People And Here’s What They Said!"},"content":{"rendered":"

The use of fireworks in festivals has always been a subject of debate. Kerala has already witnessed too much tragedy due to this from 1952 to the recent one at Puttingal Devi Temple, Kollam. Conducting fireworks without proper safety measures, usage of explosives above the permitted limit, addition of banned chemicals for massive effect, are some of the reasons for these incidents getting continual. In the wake of the recent incident, the Kerala High Court has banned fireworks at night and has brought regulations at morning session too. While the Latin Catholic Church and the Syrian Orthodox Church have claimed to abandon fireworks displays at church festivals, majority of the temple committees are against banning fireworks from festivals. Time will prove whether these ban and regulations will withstand or not. Read more to have a look at some of the interesting reactions we received from our readers.<\/p>\n

\u201cPersonally I don\u2019t believe in banning the fireworks. If we start banning these things, we will have to prohibit too many things which are part of our daily life. Matchsticks produce fire, so should we ban it from our life? I think the solution lies in dealing with these stuffs wisely. In the older days the fireworks were part of the festival celebration which acted as a disinfectant for a huge crowd. This started turning hazardous as the fireworks became a stage for competition between lands, which shouldn\u2019t be done! The incident at Puttingal Temple is really heartbreaking and is a wakeup call for a safe conduct. What we need is to conduct these with proper rules and regulations. The degree of conduct of fireworks should be decided based on whether it\u2019s an open space or an inhabited area. The intensity should definitely be less for an inhabited area. There is nothing wrong in getting excited while the firework display is going on, but the people have to be vigilant always, whether it\u2019s the spectators, contractors or organizing committee. I have heard that in foreign countries fireworks displays are often with only lights, we should try such options here too. Can we ever imagine a Thrissur Pooram without fireworks or elephant procession?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Anumol, Actress<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

“Festivals are part of our culture and there are so many traditional values associated with every festival (especially regional) and the way it\u2019s conducted, let it be small or big. But none of the festivals are organized to cause trouble to the society. Even fireworks are one important part of festivals, especially in Temples. I don\u2019t think putting a total ban on fireworks would be the right idea, rather there can be extremely strict restrictions on the amount of fireworks used, the type of material used, and also strong terms and conditions related to public & property security. \u2018Adhikamayal Amruthum Vishamanu\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ranjith, Digital Media Consultant<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAs we stand at this crucial juncture of accepting or opposing fireworks on large scale, taking a peep into history of fireworks wouldn\u2019t be bad. The religious realm of the larger society accepted it just because of the Chinese faith that it can cast away evil spirits. With time, it became a core part of each and every celebration in the country adding different hues and sounds making it an extravagant spectacle. Saying an all no to the whole question is somewhat ridiculous at least to a few lovers of festivals, but it\u2019s time we rethink our love for such a spectacle that hangs on a thread. Though there can be many who tries to make an honest living out of such jobs because of the huge market of fireworks that\u2019s never out of season, it\u2019s at the risk of an impending catastrophe that\u2019s these huge markets thrive on. If a discussion on air pollution or sound pollution is dragged on, neither of these festivals or celebration can ever take place. Being a Malayali, one cannot totally wipe out such intricate cultural connections from religious realm. Hope incidents such as these are true lightning bolt in every way to reevaluate our hunger for firework spectacle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0Lakshmi P Gopal, MPhil Student<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"thrissur<\/p>\n

\u201cI am basically an atheist. However, I have no issues with fireworks as long as it is not going to harm anyone. And more importantly, we need to take into consideration the convenience and comfort level of people living around. And if everything falls in place, then there aren’t any issues since it is a religious tradition which has become part of the society that people have been brought up. Given that, there should be proper laws and regulations, and more importantly, these need to be implemented and enforced properly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Deepal Vivek, Operations Head (BYG)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cDevotion cannot be substituted by competitions or firecrackers. Now prayer has become a minor ritual and people look upon as more of a social event. If government can\u2019t implement the safety measures strictly, it\u2019s better to ban the massive explosives for avoiding such gory happenings.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Neetou Das, Lecturer<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Nenmara

Nenmara Vedikkettu<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI am personally not in favour of fireworks in temples. I don’t see any rational explanation for bursting crackers or high intensity explosives during a festival celebration. For the few hours of amusement and entertainment all we achieve is nothing but more air pollution, sound pollution, damage to properties and above all human lives. It does more harm than good. It’s better late than never that we stop this practice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Abhishek Sasidharan, Senior Software Engineer (UST Global)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe fireworks which are heavily explosive and having intolerable sound should be regulated to a minimal level. They should be fired in a controlled and secured atmosphere just for entertainment and for the sake of environment. From my personal experience years ago, the enormous sound from the sample vedikkettu at Thrissur Pooram resulted in a severe heart attack for my uncle who was walking back home from office. Give the needy some food and clothes with that money you blast and burn. God is not deaf!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Anand G Iyer, Photographer<\/strong><\/p>\n

So are fireworks really necessary for religious festivals? What’s your opinion? Let us know in your comments below!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The use of fireworks in festivals has always been a subject of debate. Kerala has already witnessed too much tragedy due to this from 1952 to the recent one at Puttingal Devi Temple, Kollam. Conducting fireworks without proper safety measures, usage of explosives above the permitted limit, addition of banned chemicals for massive effect, are […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":26133,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26122","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/entecity.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26122"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/entecity.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/entecity.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entecity.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entecity.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26122"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/entecity.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26122\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entecity.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26133"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/entecity.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26122"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entecity.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26122"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entecity.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26122"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}