Even an overflowing Periyar coupled with intermittent heavy rain in the morning hours failed to dampen the spirits of those who flocked the roads leading to the Aluva Sivarathri Manapuram on Saturday to pay obeisance to their ancestors on the occasion of Karkitaka Vavu Bali.
The rituals got off to a start at 4.a.m. on Saturday with a special pooja by the chief celebrants.
Low turnout
The ceremonies went on till 11.a.m. However, unlike the usual heavy rush, the number of people was quite low this time, which was unsurprising considering the flood situation along the shores of the Periyar.
“As against the average turnout of 80,000 persons, the attendance this year was limited to 20,000 to 30,000,” said D. Jayakumar, administrative officer, Aluva Siva Temple.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) had set up eight Balitharas on the road leading to the submerged Manapuram. And, several thousands of devotees performed Balitharpanam. However, devotees were banned from taking a dip in the Periyar and offering Bali in the traditional manner owing to safety issues.
Refund demanded
Meanwhile, almost half of those who had offered Bali on the 41 Balitharas of the TDB demanded a refund of fees on the grounds that the ritual was not performed in Devaswom land. Devaswom officials, however, maintained that the alternative arrangements were made with the District Collector’s permission, and hence, refund was out of question.
Anticipating a heavy turnout, the TDB had made sufficient arrangements including emergency medical services. A police contingent was also pressed into service. Apart from fire and rescue services personnel, divers were deployed at the bathing ghats.
The other major temple in the district where devotees thronged to observe Vavubali was the Chelamattom Sreekrishna Temple near Perumbavoor.
