In a tragic turn of events during the Theyyam festival in Kasargod’s Nileshwaram, a fireworks explosion at the Anjootambalam Veerarkavu Temple injured 154 people early Tuesday morning. The local police have confirmed that three individuals, including the Temple Committee President, have been arrested in connection with this unfortunate incident.

The explosion occurred around 12:30 a.m. in the fireworks storage area, where festivities were already underway for the annual Kaliyattam celebration. Those injured were quickly rushed to various hospitals in the region for immediate medical attention, with many suffering from serious injuries due to the blast.

Kasargod MP Rajmohan Unnithan spoke to reporters about the shocking incident, saying, “Shocking news came from Nileshwaram in Kasargod district last night. About 154 people have been injured and admitted to different hospitals. This Theyyam festival is a custom of the people of North Malabar. Every family is conducting the Theyyam. The Theyyam starts from this Veerarkavu Temple. This is the start of this year's Theyyam.” His words highlight not just the tragedy but also the cultural significance of the festival for the local community.

In his remarks, Unnithan did not shy away from criticising the safety measures in place during the celebration. He stated, “By the grace of God, only 150 people were injured in this incident. The police were not vigilant about this festival,” indicating potential lapses in oversight that could have prevented such a disaster.

The Theyyam festival is a beloved tradition in North Malabar, drawing families and communities together to mark the beginning of the ritual season. As authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion, there will undoubtedly be increased scrutiny of safety protocols at the Veerarkavu Temple to ensure that such an incident does not occur again in the future.