Regional holiday on February 23 in two places, applicable to government offices and educational institutions

ALAPPUZHA: A local holiday has been declared in two taluks of Alappuzha district in connection with the Kumbha Bharani festival at the Chettikulangara Devi Temple. All government offices and educational institutions in Mavelikkara and Karthikappally taluks will remain closed on Monday, February 23, the day of Kumbha Bharani. District Collector Alex Varghese issued an order in this regard. Examinations will be held as per the previous schedule.

The Kumbha Bharani festival will be held on February 23 at the Chettikulangara Devi Temple in Mavelikkara taluk. Since there is a possibility of a large crowd and traffic blocks on the roads where the Kettukazhcha is held on that day, special facilities will be made for the emergency movement of ambulances and fire forces. This decision was taken following a meeting chaired by Alex Varghese, IAS.

A joint squad has been formed to prevent the use and sale of intoxicants and illicit liquor. Ayurvedic, Allopathic and Homeopathic services have been ensured on the festival day. The prices of food items in the hotels in the temple premises will be determined by the Mavelikkara Taluk Supply Officer. The repairs of all roads related to Kettukazhcha will be completed before the festival.