Kochi: Despite the floods and bad weather, thousands came to Aluva manalppuram for balitharpan, a ritual performed by the devotees for their forefathers on Karkidakavavu. As decided earlier, it was performed on the sides of the roads leading to manalppuram from early morning as the pandal erected for the same on the banks of Periyar had been submerged in water.
According to Travancore Devaswom Board officials, the number was less compared to the previous year. "There was not much rush of devotees. We expected only around 50,000 people considering the bad weather and flooding in Periyar river. The numbers are not accurate, but around 20,000 people came for the ritual. Between 70,000 and one lakh devotees used to come in the previous years," said Mr D. Jayakumar, administrative officer, TDB, Aluva.
As heavy flooding had occurred at the manalppuram and Periyar, the Balitharpan was conducted with maximum restrictions. The devotees were not allowed to enter the river and were directed to complete the ritual on its sides. "A similar situation had occurred in 2013 also. We were afraid of the rise in water level, but it was steady during the Balitharpan," he added. "We do it every year and we cannot miss this day," a devotee said.
