Vairamudi Utsava only for locals

Deputy Commissioner S Aswathi said that the Vairamudi Brahmotsava celebration has been scaled down this year due to rising Covid-19 cases and only locals will be allowed to participate in the festival. Restrictions have been imposed on the devotees from other districts and states, she said.

Addressing media persons here, on Monday, the DC said, “The religious rituals as part of the festival has commenced on March 19 and will conclude on March 31. All preparations have been done for the Vairamudi Kireetadharane festival to be held on March 24, as per the Covid guidelines issued by the government.”

Checkposts have been opened at two places at the entrance of Melkote. The devotees from other districts and states will be sent back from that point. The Health department personnel and staff will be in place at the checkposts and thermal scanning would be conducted.

Barricades have been installed in and around the temple.

Only 50 to 100 devotees will be allowed inside the temple, at a time. The priests and temple staff have been directed to wear masks compulsorily, she said.

Asha workers and Health department personnel will screen the people visiting the temple. Mass feeding and distribution of prasada has been banned around 200 mts radius of the temple. The hotels have been told not to provide accommodation facility, she said.

Superintendent of Police Ashwini said that 50 police personnel have been deployed for the Brahmotsava.

The devotees visiting the temple should carry identity cards, to enable the personnel on duty to identify them, she said.