Muzhuppilangad temple goes green for festival

KANNUR: At a time when people are debating risky fireworks and high-decibel sound, Sree Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple in Muzhappilangad here is going eco-friendly. Probably for the first time in Malabar, it will conduct digital fireworks replacing firecrackers early Friday morning. They said their temple committee decided to do away with the traditional fireworks considering its environmental impact, government restrictions and risk factors. The annual festival is one of the biggest gatherings in the region with an estimated one lakh devotees witnessing fireworks.

Temple committee president A. Preman said even people from other districts have come to Muzhappilangad to witness the digital display. Kurumba Temple has one of the most numbers of ‘kalasam varav’ rituals held as part of the festival. “We have over 85 kalasams coming from different parts of the region, which is a rare thing in Kerala,” he told DC. Thrissur-based Francis Kurien Eluvathingal, who has experience in similar shows in Dubai and Thrissur, is conducting the fireworks at the cost of around Rs 3 lakh. “Usually we have earsplitting items during fireworks at temples, where a huge crowd gathers amid households. So any fault could lead to a major mishap. With the digital fireworks, everyone can enjoy it to the fullest,” said Shyju Chathampalli, a resident.