Ever since the news about restrictions on Thrissur Pooram, which was named as ‘the most spectacular festival event on the planet by UNESCO’, came out, there was uproar. While some supported the curb, others raised their voices against executing it. Besides on road protests, a few have launched hashtag campaigns such as #savepooramsaveculture on social media platforms to attract like-minded people, inspired by the recent Jallikkattu episode. Both sides have their own reasons for their stance. For supporters, Pooram is a matter of culture and heritage while for the others, it is a case of animal cruelty and pollution. Natives of Thrissur are ardent supporters of Pooram. For them, it is a part and parcel of their life. Actor Tovino Thomas has recently put a status on his Facebook account saying that he is proud of Pooram.
“The parading of elephants and the fireworks form the face of Thrissur Pooram. I believe that instead of wiping it off completely, it is better to conduct it in its glory, taking all necessary precautions,” he writes. Actor and television anchor Jayaraj Warrier too cannot think of a Thrissur without Pooram. Growing up watching this festival, he wants everyone to have healthy discussions about Pooram. “I support Pooram,” says Jayaraj, who wishes to follow the traditional path. He cannot think of a life without the festivities of Pooram. It is an emotional string that connects him to this world.
“Now, discussions are happening in television channels and other platforms about Pooram. But, they lead us nowhere. They don’t provide any outcome. I am looking forward to having healthy discussions about Pooram. Those who possess knowledge about the festival should come on board and explain the specialities of the fest. They should say how it is different from other Poorams,” adds Jayaraj. Pooram is close to his heart. He knows the rituals behind it deeply and believes that it should be continued. And he suggests taking people’s vote. “Check the images of Pooram, you could see that more than 50,000 people come there to watch this fest. Why do they come there? What is on their mind? They support the festival. If such a large crowd backs it, then how can a few persons decide not to have it?” he retorts. “If you put Pooram for people’s vote, I am sure that it would fetch a majority that even our political parties would not get.”
Ragesh T.G., a Pooram buff, concurs. “It was on a Pooram day my father passed away. Last year, I came to the venue after performing the bali. It is that close to my heart. At any cost, we need to conduct Pooram with Kudamattam and fireworks.” Opposing voices too have their own concerns. They believe the earth is not just for humans, but for animals too. Lohit Chandran, founder of Humans of Kochi Facebook page, says, “Let’s face the reality, nothing is going to change about Thrissur Pooram no matter what all we try! I have accepted the fact that Thrissur Pooram will continue to use elephants till they go extinct — which will happen in the next couple of decades if we continue to capture them from forests and exploit them. These gentle giants are unfortunately tortured for our selfish purposes in the name of the so-called customs and traditions. It’s as if gods are concerned only about the welfare of humans, not about other living beings on this planet. Humans must be so lucky to have this special consideration!”
P. Sasikumar, member of Kerala festival coordination committee, says that all arrangements are made to ensure the safety of animals at the venue. “Every year, we take good care of elephants. We give them enough food such as cucumber and watermelon to beat the heat. And where the elephants stay for a long time, we have erected marquees to safeguard them from the sun. Also, we have ensured that elephants would get the required rest,” he says and hopes that the Pooram would take place without any obstacles. “Restrictions have been relaxed after discussions with the concerned authorities. Hope there won’t be any issues.”
