Aluva: Aluva Sivarathri will be celebrated at the Siva temple on the banks of the river Periyar at Aluva, 16 km from Ernakulam with religious fervor and gaiety. Periyar holds a special place in the minds of Malayalees as a sacred river or Dakshina Ganga. It is not just a perennial source of the State’s drinking water and hydel power but is a final abode of the departed souls and a revered spiritual and creative spot, which has inspired writers, poets and thinkers.
Celebrated in the month of Kumbham, Sivarathri festival draws pilgrims from far and wide which falls in February – March. Pilgrims offer last rites to the departed souls in the morning succeeding the revered night. The river banks will be accommodating over seven lakh people who will be thronging to participate in the Sivarathri celebrations on Wednesday night.
The banks have been decorated with colorful illumination and volunteers have been posted in all the bathing ghats and jetties where country boats drop scores of pilgrims In addition, there is an array of entertainment options and a consumer goods fair, which will feature exhibitions of domestic appliances and ornamental fish among others. The state road transport corporation has set up a temporary bus terminal at Paravoor junction to cater to the pilgrims. In addition, a larger posse of police personnel is also deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the celebration. Boats with expert swimmers from the police and navy are also available to handle any emergencies.
The other festival highlights include night long reading of the puranas and other holy texts, Cultural programmes and Vavubali ( paying obeisance to the forefathers) at dawn.
