Mananthavady: Braving relentless rains, thousands of devotees gathered at the Tirunelli Maha Vishnu Temple in Wayanad on Thursday to offer ‘bali’ rites for their ancestors on the occasion of Karkkidaka Vavu.

The rituals began as early as 3 am on the banks of the sacred Papanashini River, nestled in the forested slopes of Tirunelli--revered as the ‘Kashi of the South’. Despite the large turnout, there were no traffic snarls this year, thanks to a one-way traffic arrangement from Kattikkulam to Tirunelli.

Chief priest E N Krishnan Namboothiri led the bali ceremonies, assisted by K L Ramachandra Sarma. A group of 10 priests officiated on the riverbank, guiding devotees through the rituals to appease their forefathers.

The Tirunelli Devaswom offered free food to devotees who arrived the previous day and during the early hours. Traditional trustee P B Keshavadas, executive officer K V Narayanan Namboothiri, and manager P K Premachandran coordinated the arrangements.

A team led by Additional District Magistrate K Devaki, along with revenue and police officials including Mananthavady Tahsildar M J Augustin, Tahsildar P U Sitara, DySP V K Viswambaran, and SMS DySP T A Augustin, ensured smooth transportation and facilities for the rituals until noon.