Educational institutions and govt offices to remain closed tomorrow

ALAPPUZHA: A local holiday has been declared in Alappuzha tomorrow as part of the pongala in Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathy Temple. The collector has declared a holiday for government offices and educational institutions of four taluks in the district.

The holiday has been declared in Ambalapuzha, Mavelikkara, Chengannur and Kuttanad taluks. The holiday will be applicable to all educational institutions except residential schools. However, there will be no change in the pre-scheduled public examinations. Similarly, the order is not applicable to offices with responsibilities related to SIR, the collector said.

Meantime, after the prayers at the temple at 9 am tomorrow, Karyadarshi Manikuttan Namboothiri will light the lamp from the Kedavilakku in the Sreekovil. Trust President and Chief Secretary Radhakrishnan Namboothiri will start the pongala by lighting the fire in the earthen pot specially prepared in the nadapandal.

Union Minister George Kurien will inaugurate the pongala. Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam will light the Bhadradeepam. After the Pongala, Divya Abhishekam and Uchchadeepa will be held. Minister Saji Cheriyan will inaugurate the cultural conference at 5 pm. Thomas K Thomas MLA will preside. West Bengal Governor Dr C V Anandabose will light the fire at the Karthika pillar.