Thousands converged on the Aluva Sivarathri manappuram to offer ‘bali tharpanam’ (paying obeisance to their ancestors) on the occasion of ‘Karkkidaka Vavu’ here on Wednesday.
There was a huge rush of devotees including women and children who flocked to the venue to perform the ritual.
The observance of ‘vavu bali’ at Sivarathri manappuram is considered as an important ceremony in bringing welfare to the living descendants.
The rituals got off to a start as early as 3 a.m. on the day with the performance of a Ganapathi homam in the Siva temple here followed by other special poojas including Mruthyunjayam, Thilahavanam, Dhara and Namaskaram .
The ceremonies in the temple continued up to 11 a.m. and the offerings were distributed subsequently.
Nearly 200 priests assisted the devotees who performed the rituals at about 150 ‘balitharas’ set up for the ceremonies.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and the civic authorities had made elaborate arrangements for bali tharpanam on the banks of the Periyar River.
Special arrangements were made at the venue.
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation operated additional services to facilitate conveyance of the devotees.
A strong contingent of the local police was deployed in the area.
Traffic regulations were in place from morning itself to avoid any congestion along the roads leading to the Siva temple.
T. Gopalakrishna Pillai, DCP, Law and Order, Ernakulam, said that rescue divers were positioned at the bathing ghats.
Fire and Rescue Services Personnel were also pressed in to service to tackle an emergency.
Mr. Pillai said that the bali tharpanam was held smoothly at the venue.
The offerings will continue till 10 a.m. on Thursday.
Several devotees also performed the ritual bath at the nearby Adwaithasramam.
