Pathanamthitta (Kerala) | The famed Chandanappally Valiya Pally Church in Pathanamthitta has decided to forgo fireworks during its annual feast this year following the deaths of 15 persons in the Mundathikode explosions at a fireworks manufacturing unit preparing crackers for Thrissur Pooram.

Following the tragedy, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews III had appealed for restraint in the use of fireworks during church celebrations.

Church authorities said in a statement on Saturday that the amount earmarked for fireworks would instead be utilised for charitable activities.

Chandanappally Valiya Pally, affiliated with the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and named after St George, is regarded as a major Georgian pilgrimage centre.

The main feast celebrations at the church are scheduled for May 7 and 8, with thousands of devotees visiting each year.

The explosions occurred on April 21 at the fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 persons, while four others remain missing.

Thrissur Pooram, with scaled-down celebrations, will be held on Sunday.