Three lakh people visited Thirunavaya on Sunday; Kerala kumbh mela to conclude tomorrow

TIRUR: The Maha Magha festival, celebrated as the Kumbh Mela of Kerala, will conclude on Tuesday. Lakhs of people are flocking to Thirunavaya near the banks of Bharathapuzha(Nila) to participate in the festival, which began on January 16.

The main attraction remains the Nila Aarti, performed by various Kashi pandits from 6 to 8 pm daily. The aarti is held at a specially prepared place on the sandbank of the Nila River. According to the organisers, three lakh people came to watch the aarti on Sunday alone. Around 30 KSRTC buses from different parts of the state operated services to Thirunavaya yesterday. There was also a special train from Rishikesh to Thirunavaya.

The Maha Ganapathi Homam held yesterday morning was led by Suryakaladimana Parameswaran Bhattathiripad. Kavadi ritual, Chinthu Pattukal and Kalari were also performed. The arrival of Matrubhavana, which started from Tirumurti hills in Tamil Nadu under the leadership of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was welcomed at Thirunavaya. A special puja will be held from 6 am today under the leadership of former Sabarimala Melshanthi Areekkara Sudhir Namboothiripad. The Sarpabali will be held at 7 pm. The acharya will be Neelakandan Namboothiripad of Kulappuram.