Kerala bans the use of ‘oleander’ flowers in the temples due to its toxicity
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) – Kerala’s Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and Malabar Devaswom Board have ordered to stop offering ‘oleander’ flowers for prasad. This important decision has been taken keeping in mind the toxic nature of the flowers. The boards said that there is a possibility of harm to humans and animals due to these flowers.
1. P S Prashant, President of the Travancore Devaswom Board, told the press that a decision has been taken to completely stop the use of oleander flowers in the offering to the Deity and also in prasad. Instead, tulsi, ixora, chameli, and rose flowers will be used.
2. This decision has been taken after numerous incidents in Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta. A woman recently died due to eating oleander flower and leaves. There was a news of a cow and calf dying due to consumption of oleander flower and leaves in Pathanamthitta.