The need for better regulations for festivals like Attukkal pongala
I, like most of you, was born and brought up in the city and festivals like Attukkal Pongala has remained culturally significant and evokes nostalgic emotions. But the more I critically think of it, the more I think that it is essential to address the challenges posed by large-scale religious gatherings, such as Attukal Pongala, Vettucaud Church Fete, or Bheemapalli Uroos. While these events hold deep cultural and spiritual significance, they also create serious public challenges that require better regulation to ensure the safety, convenience, and well-being of everyone.
- Religious Freedom and Public Well-being
The Indian Constitution grants every citizen the freedom to practice their religion (Articles 25-28). However, this must be balanced with Article 51A, which calls for developing scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform. Nobody understands that their freedom ends at others' nose. Religious freedom should not come at the cost of public inconvenience, safety hazards, or environmental damage. Regulations can help strike this balance.
- Public Nuisance and Road Blockages
One of the biggest challenges of such gatherings is the disruption to daily life. Major roads, railway stations, and public transport hubs get blocked, making it nearly impossible for regular commuters and emergency vehicles (such as ambulances) to pass through. Even though volunteers claim to facilitate movement for ambulances, the sheer volume of people makes it extremely difficult. No one should have to risk their life due to festival-related roadblocks. The argument that "Attukkal Pongala is a minor inconvenience as it just happens for 1 day a year" makes no sense as everything can be justified saying this.
- Environmental and Air Pollution
Large-scale events lead to significant waste accumulation and pollution. The morning after such festivals, streets are often littered with garbage. Volunteers (hats off them) work hard to clean up, but in many cases, the damage—especially to the environment—is irreversible. The burning of coconut leaves during Pongala, for example, causes a dangerous spike in air pollution levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Thiruvananthapuram usually ranges from 35 to 80, but it shoots up to 150 on Pongala day, which is hazardous to public health. I love my city and it is unfortunate and saddening to see the state of the city during these festivals.
- Noise Pollution
Temple trusts and festival organizers often install massive loudspeakers, blasting music at high volumes. This disturbs students, elderly people, and those who are unwell. Regulating decibel levels, as is done for political and entertainment events, should be a priority.
- Fire and Stampede Hazards
With thousands of people gathering in uncontrolled spaces, fire hazards and stampedes become serious risks. The use of open fire for cooking during Pongala adds another layer of danger, especially in congested areas with no proper fire safety measures.
Stampedes at large religious gatherings are not hypothetical risks—they have happened before. The recent Kumbh Mela witnessed tragic incidents of crowd surges, leading to multiple deaths. I understand that the situation in Trivandrum is not like the north, but even with proper crowd control, the same risks exist in other religious festivals. A proactive approach is necessary to prevent potential disasters.
- The plight of animals
It is not just humans who are suffering from such irresponsible and unregulated festivals. Animals too take the heat. A couple of days back I saw 2 elephants being forced to walk on thar roads without any protection to their feet at midday sunlight from Manacaud to Attukkal with some idols mounted to their back. It is so unfortunate to see elephants being treated like this. The air pollution caused will take a toll on most animals too due to this festival.
- Public Health Concerns (Lessons from COVID-19)
Mass gatherings without adequate health regulations increase the spread of diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions were imposed on weddings and funerals, yet some large-scale religious events continued with little oversight. Health-based regulations should be enforced uniformly across all public events, regardless of whether they are religious or not.
This is not a call to ban religious festivals. The goal is to ensure that religious traditions can be practiced without endangering public safety, health, and convenience. Designated festival zones (private places) could help control crowds and traffic, so that believers can practice whatever they want without bothering others. Stricter waste management policies can ensure minimal environmental impact. Decibel limits on loudspeakers should be enforced to respect others' peace. Better emergency response planning should be in place to prevent fire accidents and stampedes.
Unfortunately, no political party seems willing to address this issue, fearing backlash. But unless we, as citizens, push for responsible regulations, the problem will persist. Faith should be a personal and meaningful experience, not something that inconveniences or endangers others. It is time for practical, well-thought-out regulations to ensure that religious celebrations remain safe, respectful, and environmentally responsible.