Mananthavady: 'Vavu bali', considered as an auspicious ritual to propitiate departed souls, is religiously followed by the Hindus every year in Kerala. There are several spots in the state where believers gather en masse to perform the ceremony under the guidance of a tantri. Places like Thirumullavaram and Varkala in Kollam, Aluva in Ernakulam, Thirunelly in Wayanad are some of them.

Meanwhile, elaborate arrangements have been put in place at the Thirunelly Mahavishnu Temple, which attracts devotees from across the country to offer bali rituals daily, in connection with the upcoming Karkadaka Vavu Bali.

Thousands of devotees are expected to gather at Papanashini, the sacred stream where bali offerings are traditionally made. The rituals will commence at 3 am on July 24.

A coordination meeting chaired by Sub Collector Misal Sagar and attended by heads of various departments and temple committee office-bearers finalised the preparations to ensure a smooth experience for devotees.

With improved road infrastructure, vehicles will no longer be stopped at Kattikkulam and will be allowed direct access to the temple. A one-way traffic system will be introduced along the Nittara–Panavally route to manage the flow of vehicles.

Vehicles dropping off devotees near the temple must then proceed to park along Nittara Road. Access to Thirunelly will be via Kattikkulam, while the return route will follow Nittara Road through Panavalli.

Special transportation facilities will be available for the elderly and those who are unwell. KSRTC will operate additional services directly to Thirunelly Temple. A dedicated counter will be set up for the distribution of bali-related items, and additional priests will be stationed at Papanashini to assist devotees.

The Devaswom will provide free breakfast and supper to all pilgrims visiting the temple during this period.

The bali offerings will continue until 1 PM, according to Devaswom Executive Officer K V Narayanan, Malabar Devaswom Board Member K Ramachandran, Temple Manager P K Premachandran, Employees’ Representative T Santhosh Kumar and Temple Construction Committee President P K Vasudevan Unni.