Kollam, August 3, 2013: The district administration, the Thirumullavaram temple committee, and various other organisations are making arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Balitharpanam ritual on the Thirumullavaram beach in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The temple committee expects over 5 lakh people to arrive at the beach for the ritual from Monday night.

The whole area will be under round-the-clock police surveillance on the two days. Closed-circuit television cameras will be installed at various points.

The services of the Health Department and Fire and Rescue Services will be made available. Lifeguards of the Tourism Department will be posted all along the beach for rescue operations in case of emergency. Sanitation works will be taken up by the Kollam Corporation and lighting arrangements by the Kerala State Electricity Board.

The district unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad has said that it is making its own arrangements on the beach for those arriving to offer Bali. A pandal under which 500 people at a time can perform the rites has been put up. Separate arrangements have been made for women to conduct balitharpanam.

District Collector B. Mohanan said traffic regulations would be in force in the city on the two days. The road to Thirumullavaram will be divided into two using a rope median so as to allow free movement of people.

Vehicles will not be allowed to ply on the road from Vishnathukavu on the two days.

Source: The Hindu, August 3, 2013