Preparations for ‘Vavu Bali’ completed

Thiruvananthapuram: District collector Navjot Khosa visited the Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama Swamy Temple on Wednesday to assess the preparations for the upcoming ‘Karakadaka Vavu Bali’, an annual Hindu ritual.
As many as nine platforms are being arranged for the rituals and the collector has directed the officials of the irrigation department to clean the pond to enrich its sources.
To avoid rush, the collector also directed the officers to arrange specific queues for the entrance of devotees and enlarge the platforms, where rituals are performed.
Systematic facilities for waste disposal and parking have also been recommended.
Nearly 50,000 devotees are expected on the day and the entry-tickets can be bought online or at the temple directly.
As many as 3,000 people can perform the rituals at a time and showers and e-toilet facilities will also be arranged on the banks of the river. Directions have been given to ensure the service of healthcare workers and ambulances on the day.
However, the district administration has banned all Vavu Bali rituals at Shanghumugham beach due to the rough sea and adverse weather conditions.
No one will be allowed to enter the sea area and strict action will be taken against those who defy the orders, said the district administration.