KOCHI: Even when major and minor accidents claim precious lives during fireworks in various parts of the district, the hardcore fans of fireworks never want to get it banned or restricted.
There are several fans in the district, including octogenarians, women and children, who eagerly visit the places of worship to watch the amazing display every year and never compromise on the quality and quantity of the event.
Fan followers will emotionally react to any decision to ban or to impose strict curbs on the events.
“Firework displays are part of the rituals of festivals in Bhagavathy and Ayyappa temples. Imposing a blanket ban on the ritual is not practical. However, considering the intensity of the risk involved, safety norms should have strictly complied. In earlier days, only small low-intensity crackers (Kathina) were used and later the events have become a competitive and massive event to show pomp and glory,” said Pradeep Namboothiri Avanaparambu, temple priest.
Meanwhile, the hardcore fans of cracker display events strongly disagree with the move to put curbs on firework displays. “Occasional accidents during firework display should not be a reason to ban it. Rather, authorities should strictly implement safety norms, and they should be made accountable,” said K. N. Govindan, an ardent fan of fireworks.
