Kottayam (Kerala) | Several Malankara Orthodox churches in Kerala have decided to forgo fireworks during their annual feasts and divert the funds towards charitable activities following the Mundathikode fireworks explosion.

The decision was taken following an appeal by the head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, urging churches to refrain from fireworks after explosions at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode killed 15 people, while four others remain missing.

The office bearers of St George Orthodox Church, Puthuppally, on Sunday announced the cancellation of its scheduled fireworks display for the annual feast to be held on May 5.

Vicar Fr Andrews T John said the parish committee had accepted the appeal and decided to avoid fireworks in view of the recent incident.

He said the amount earmarked for fireworks would instead be used for the church’s charitable initiatives, including support for persons with disabilities and autism, as well as other parish welfare programmes.

Preparations for the annual feast, scheduled from May 5 to 7, have been completed, church office-bearers said.

Meanwhile, St George Church in Konni, St Peter’s Church in Karoor, St George Church in Elampallikkal (Adoor), and St George Church in Karippuzha (Mavelikkara) have also announced that they will forgo fireworks and redirect the funds towards charity.