Palakkad: The much-awaited Nenmara–Vallangi Vela festival has arrived, bringing an end to a year-long wait for festival enthusiasts. Preparations are complete to celebrate the historic festival at the Nellikulangara Bhagavathi temple under the leadership of the Nenmara and Vallangi desams. The main Vela will be held on Friday.

Festivities will begin on Thursday evening at 5 pm with a grand Melam led by Kalloor Unnikrishnan Marar and Kalloor Jayan under the Nenmara desam at the temple. Decorative lighting will also be arranged at the elephant pavilions of both desams.

Sample fireworks to light up the night

Sample fireworks displays will be held on Thursday evening at 7 pm near Vallangi Shiva Temple grounds (Vallangi desam) and at 8 pm near Nenmara Government Girls Higher Secondary School grounds (Nenmara desam)

Spectacular fireworks to steal spotlight

The highlight of the Nenmara–Vallangi Vela is undoubtedly its spectacular fireworks display, widely regarded as one of the finest in Kerala. The dazzling show lights up the night sky while reverberating with powerful sound, creating an unforgettable sensory experience for thousands of spectators. Often described as one of the loudest fireworks displays in Asia, it remains the defining attraction of the festival.

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Aandivela and Thalappoli today

As part of the celebrations, Aandivela (These performances are a visual treat, with participants donning colourful costumes and masks, and enacting traditional stories and folklore) will be held in Nenmara, and the Thalappoli procession will take place in Vallangi.

Aandivela will begin at 9 pm from the 'Moolasthanam' and proceed through Kanimangalam Pattali Balasubrahmanya Temple and Shiva Temple, concluding at Vettaykkorumakan Temple.

In Vallangi, the Thalappoli procession will start at 6 pm from the Shiva Temple and proceed to Cheermbakkavu, accompanied by traditional percussion.

Chamaya exhibition draws crowds

Chamaya (decorative ornaments) exhibitions will be held from 10 am at Mannam in Nenmara and at Vallangi Shiva Temple Trust Hall.

Tight security: 1,200 police personnel deployed

More than 1,200 police personnel have been deployed under the leadership of Alathur DySP A J Johnson to ensure safety during the festival.

Key arrangements include five DySPs overseeing security, anti-theft squad inspections, four fire force units and 12 ambulances on standby, 24-hour emergency services at Nenmara Community Health Centre and barricades at fireworks venues for crowd control.

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Full- time water supply arrangements

The Kerala Water Authority will ensure round-the-clock water supply on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Public taps have been installed across key locations, including Nenmara Mannam, Vallangi village areas, Ayyappa Temple vicinity, Nellippadam, Vallangi pandhal, bypass areas, and Aluvassery Kurishupally.

Police control rooms activated

A police control room will function near the temple from Thursday at 1 pm until Saturday at 10 am. A police aid post will also be set up near the Vallangi elephant pavilion. A joint control room coordinating multiple departments will operate at the Nenmara Grama Panchayat office.