Arrangements to be made for Navarathri fete in Thiruvananthapuram

Health Minister V.S. Sivakumar said a medical team and ambulance would accompany the procession, while medical camps would be organised at the Aryasala Devi temple as well.

Elaborate arrangements will be put in place for the smooth conduct of this year’s Navarathri festival to be held from September 21 to October 9, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said.

Speaking at a review meeting here on Wednesday, Mr. Chennithala said the State Police Chief would directly monitor the procession of idols to the city from Tamil Nadu. The procession of idols, from the Padmanabhapuram Palace at Thuckalay in Tamil Nadu on September 20, would reach Thiruvananthapuram on September 23.

Cultural Affairs Minister K.C. Joseph said facilities would be provided for the 35-strong State police group that would present a cultural programme at the palace while it would be examined whether art forms from Kannur could be sent along with the procession.

Health Minister V.S. Sivakumar said a medical team and ambulance would accompany the procession, while medical camps would be organised at the Aryasala Devi temple as well.

The Kerala State Electricity Board would ensure that all street lights, from Kaliyikavila to Thiruvananthapuram on the national highway, were functional.

Road repair

Arrangements would be made to wet the tarred roads with water to ensure that those walking barefoot along with the procession would not suffer. The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation would deploy more personnel to ensure clean streets ahead of the festival while the Devaswom Boards of Tamil Nadu and Kerala would both set up temporary pandals at select spots for ceremonies in connection with the procession.

A.T. George, MLA; Mayor K. Chandrika; and senior officials from various departments were present.