Aluva: The low-lying areas in Ernakulam were submerged as shutters of Cheruthoni, Bhoothathankettu, Idukki and Idamalayar dam were opened. Around thousands of houses in Alappuzha were submerged. People are being rehabilitated to relief camps.
As Sivarathri Manappuram is immersed in water, there is increased concerns over Vavu Bali which will be performed on Saturday. The rituals which were performed at the Manappuram will have to be shifted to a higher platform. The Vavu Bali rituals will be performed on Saturday from 4 am to noon. More than 10000 people have been visiting the area in this season.
There were preparations to arrange 121 balitharas on the river banks. But, the water level in the areas might not reduce on Saturday as the shutters of Idamalayar and Idukki dam are opened. A similar situation had occurred in 2013 when the Idamalayar dam was opened. Then, the ritual was conducted on the Manappuram road.
