Thrissur Pooram is an annual temple festival held in Kerala, India. It is held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur every year on the Pooram day - the day when the moon rises with the Pooram star in the Malayalam Calendar month of Medam. It is the largest and most famous of all poorams

In this Covidien time, with the difference of opinion on the conduct of the Thrissur Pooram, the festivity has surfaced between the government and the district medical officer (DMO).

The government has said it was ready to hold the festival while the DMO is opposed it, citing the present COVID-19 situation. However, the district collector has written to the chief secretary to issue directions to hold the annual festival by referring to the government decision, which the DMO has opposed.

The DMO K.J. Reena, on Sunday, said that she expects the government to rethink on its decision. "I don't think any government will play with the lives of the people. If it does, we are inviting grave danger. We will have to re-open the COVID19 Frontline Treatment Centres. Our efforts of the last one-and-a-half years will go waste," she said.

On the other hand, Minister V.S. Sunilkumar told the reporters the festival would be held as per the COVID-19 protocol. "The government is set to hold the Pooram this time. All the decisions have been taken after consulting with the health department. All the Devaswoms are cooperating with the government. The decision of the government is to conduct the Pooram," he said, adding that the crowd can be controlled.

Madhav Rao, Senior Congress candidate in Tamil Nadu polls, dies of Covid-19

Vaccination pace gathers momentum, all eligible Indians to get vaccines in 3 years: Evaluation

Karnataka bus strike enters sixth day meantime 2663 buses operated