Aruvikkara to draw thousands

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Preparations have been completed at Aruvikkara to receive the massive flow of devotees to offer ‘vavu bali’ on the ‘Karkidaka Vavu’ day on Saturday. Elaborate arrangements have been made under the supervision of Aruvikkara village panchayat to ensure the comfort of the devotees.  The dam site next to the Sree Bhagavathi Temple has been renovated to receive the surge of devotees.  According to the convener of Vavu Bali Organising Committee Vembannoor Sasidharan Nair, around 50,000  devotees are expected to offer ‘bali’ at the dam site. Under the strict guidance of more than 30 priests, 200 people can offer ‘bali’ at a time. To avoid untoward incidents, sand bags have already been deposited to reduce the depth of the dam close to the area where the holy dip is taken. “The uniqueness of the dam is that the water flow can be controlled by operating the first three shutters. This will ensure that the water never gets stagnant. So, devotees can perform the dip in moving water,” said Sasidharan Nair.   The transport facilities also have been enhanced this time around, with KSTRC  planning to operate regular trips from Nedumangad, Thampanoor, Palode and East Fort depots. The  ground has been cleared to facilitate the parking of hundreds of private vehicles that would transport devotees to the dam site, he said.  A A Hakeem,  general convener of the committee, also said that organisers are expecting believers to turn up in great numbers this time. Officials said that stern security measures will be introduced in the entire area. Apart from police and Fire and Rescue Services, ex-servicemen and a medical team from the Health Department will be also be deployed.