Vairamudi Utsav celebrations from today

The annual Vairamudi Brahmotsava celebrations begins at Melkote, Mandya district from today. It will be held up to March 31. Various rituals will be held on all the days, and Vairamudi jatra, the procession of the idol decorated with diamond-studded crown will be held in a simple manner on March 24.

However, the celebrations have been been scaled down for the second consecutive year, due to the rising Covid cases in the state, as per the guidelines issued by the government on March 12. Thousands of devotees used to visit Melkote to witness the Vairamudi jatra. Restrictions will be in place for the devotees coming from other states, districts and other taluks of Mandya district.

According to Deputy Commissioner S Aswathi, only 100 devotees will be allowed to enter the temple at a time and thermal screening will be conducted. Distribution of prasada, selling of puliyogere and other food have been banned during the festival.The district administration has also issued orders to finish the Brahmotsava procession by 12 midnight, the same day.