In the aftermath of the fireworks tragedy at the Puttingal Devi Temple, the Kerala High Court has decided to hold a special session and it is a good move to find out an immediate solution to avert such tragedies in future. But as usual a stiff resistance is expected from the all powerful Travancore Devaswom Board which governs nearly 1000 temples in the state will not accept any ban on fireworks and that it is the Government’s responsibility to ensure the safety of devotees. By just quoting the traditions one cannot run away from the responsibilities. It is understandable that the norms should be as per the restrictions laid down by the Government and the Court with sufficient measures taken to safeguard the security of the devotees. In the name of tradition we throw caution to the wind and the consequences are so serious. There is not value for human life. Calamity in the midst of religious celebrations, that too in the early morning hours, just as dawn was about to break through to dispel the dark hours of the night. In the race between constitution and tradition, tradition may get better support but in reality dire consequences were faced in the end.
Jayanthy S. Maniam
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
