Thrissur, 23 August (H.S.): The traditional Uthradam ‘Kazhchakula’ offering will be held at the Guruvayur Sreekrishna Temple on Tuesday as part of the Thiruvonam celebrations.

The ceremony will take place at the base of the temple’s golden flagstaff after the morning Seeveli procession. The temple’s chief priest will make the first offering, followed by the Guruvayur Devaswom chairman and members of the managing committee.

Devotees will not be permitted to enter the Nalambalam carrying plantain bunches. Those arriving to make the offering to Lord Guruvayurappan should enter through the eastern gateway and proceed towards the southern entrance near the Thidappalli door. Arrangements have been made for devotees to queue and wait in the designated area near the Krishnavattom, the Devaswom said.

The temple authorities have assured that all devotees arriving during the Onam holidays will be provided an opportunity to have darshan. Priority will be given to those waiting in the general queue.

To manage the expected rush, special darshan will be restricted from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the public holidays from Uthradam to Chathayam, between August 25 and 28. The daily darshan period has also been extended by an hour, and the temple will reopen in the afternoon at 3.30 p.m.

On Thiruvonam day on Wednesday, a special Kazhcha Seeveli procession accompanied by a traditional percussion ensemble will be held in addition to the regular temple rituals.

The ceremonial offering of the Onappudava, or Onam attire, to Lord Guruvayurappan will begin at 4.30 a.m. Temple Ooralan Mallissery Parameswaran Namboothiripad will make the first offering.

He will be followed by the Devaswom chairman, managing committee members and devotees. Worshippers will be allowed to offer the Onappudava until the completion of the Usha Puja.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman