The Aluva municipality in association with Suchitwa Mission will follow the green protocol on the banks of the Periyar where thousands are expected to converge to perform rituals for the departed souls on Sivaratri on Monday.
More than 1,500 police personnel will be deployed at Manapuram for the security of pilgrims. CCTV cameras are also in place. A fire and rescue team with one tender will be on standby, besides a team of police and Navy with boats and life jackets. Liquor sale will not be permitted in Aluva town during the festival.
The Travancore Devaswom Board has made all arrangements for the smooth conduct of balitharpanam. It will also ensure that pilgrims arriving at Manappuram are not fleeced by persons pretending to be priests. Around 800 pilgrims can offer bali at a time, and the cost for balitharpanam will not exceed ₹75.
The KSRTC will operate special services for pilgrims from other parts of the State to Aluva. The services will charge 30% higher than the prevailing rates, and they will be applicable from Monday evening to Tuesday morning. Accordingly, the minimum charge will be ₹11, while the charge between Aluva and Paravur will be ₹26. However, there will be no fare hike in private buses.
The Southern Railways will operate a special service from Thrissur at 9 p.m. on Monday. The train will reach Aluva at 10.30 p.m. It will have stops at Ollur, Puthukkad, Nellayi, Irinjalakuda, Chalakudy, Divine Nagar, Koratty, Karukutty, Angamaly, and Chowara.
On Tuesday, the special service will start from Aluva at 4.10 a.m. and reach Thrissur at 5.50 a.m. The fare is ₹15 per head.