Aluva: Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, elaborate arrangements were made at Aluva Manappuram near Siva temple on the auspicious occasion of Maha Sivarathri. The authority has limited the number of devotees in view of the pandemic.
For the first time in history, the virtual queue booking facility was introduced for restricting the number of devotees. Though the online booking facility was introduced, strict security arrangements are in place.
Over 50 ‘Bali Thara’, places to perform ‘Bali Tharpanam’ was arranged in 5 clusters. Permission for ‘Bali Tharpanam’ is granted from 12 am to 12 pm on Friday.
Devotees will be allowed to enter the shrine via Thottakkattukara and Sivarathri footpath across Periyar river.
Only those who are performing ‘Bali Tharpanam’ will be allowed to enter the Manappuram.
5 groups including 200 people each will be allowed to enter the compound. Hence, 1000 people will be allowed to perform ‘Bali Tharpanam’ at a time in the Manappuram.
‘Bali Thara’ were arranged here ensuring social distance norms.
Meanwhile, a huge number of people rushed to the temple for registration without knowing about the virtual queue system.
The authority informed that devotees must wear face mask, use hand sanitiser and maintain social distancing.
No one will be allowed to venture into the river after performing ‘Bali Tharpanam’. The temple administration committee and police have given strict directions regarding this.
KSRTC bus will conduct special services to the temple from 3 am Friday.
Police and Devaswom board are concerned about controlling the devotees as per COVID-19 protocol.
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