Stage set for Vavu Bali ritual at Shiva temple in Aluva
11/08/2018
Kochi, Aug 10: With the Periyar river in spate, authorities in Ernakulam district are making arrangements in unaffected areas for the annual 'Karkkidaka Vavu Bali' that will take place at the Lord Shiva shrine, near here, tomorrow. Thousands throng the ancient temple to perform the 'Vavu Bali', a ritual, performed for the departed souls of their ancestors.
Karikkidaka is the last month of the Malayalam calendar which falls in July-August. The month has religious significance for Hindus as they visit the Shiva temple on Amavasi or no moon day. The temple was submerged since gushing water from the Idukki and Idamalayar dams reached Aluva, near here, following the opening of shutters of dams, authorities said. Officials said the Travancore Devaswom Board, which managed the shrine, was making arrangements in unaffected areas of the Periyar river banks. State Revenue Minister E Chandrase-kharan, who held a meeting of legislators and officials, reviewed the situation in the affected areas along the river.
Coast Guard and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to ensure safety and security of the pilgrims. Police and fire service personnel have also been roped in to provide security, they said.
Three boats, 20 lifeboats, 40 life-jackets, special ropes and diving teams have been were kept ready to meet any eventuality, authorities said.
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