Kochi, 11 August (H.S.): Preparations are in the final stages at Aluva Manappuram for the Karkidaka Vavu Bali rituals on Wednesday, with elaborate traffic arrangements being introduced in the town to manage the expected rush of devotees.

The rituals for departed ancestors will begin at 2 am and continue until 3 pm. Melsanthi Mullappilly Sankaran Namboothiri will officiate the rituals at the Mahadeva Temple.

Police will impose traffic restrictions in Aluva from 1 am on Wednesday. Vehicles heading towards Manappuram after the temple’s Arattu procession should proceed from Seminarippady through the GCDA Road and pass in front of the Ayurveda Hospital. This stretch will operate as a one-way route. Vehicles leaving Manappuram must use Old Desom Road to reach Paravur Kavala.

No vehicles will be permitted towards Manappuram from Thottakkattukara Junction. Buses arriving from Varapuzha and Edayar should turn at Thottakkattukara, drop passengers there and return through Paravur Kavala, UC College and Kadungallur.

Private buses from Angamaly will terminate near the driving test ground at Paravur Kavala. Private buses from Ernakulam via the National Highway must turn at Pulinchodu Junction and reach the private bus stand through Karothukuzhi Junction.

KSRTC buses arriving from Ernakulam will also be diverted through Pulinchodu and Karothukuzhi to reach the bus station. Services towards Angamaly and Perumbavoor will follow designated diversion routes.

KSRTC buses arriving from Perumbavoor will terminate at a temporary stand in front of the Mahatma Gandhi Town Hall before operating return services.

Authorities have prohibited all vehicular movement, including private vehicles, on the stretch between Bank Junction and Mahatma Gandhi Town Hall Road.

Roadside parking will also be strictly prohibited, while no parking will be allowed on either side of the National Highway during the restrictions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman