Aranmula boat race
Kottayam: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan will inaugurate Aranmula Uthrittathi water festival at 1.30pm on Sunday, a first by an Indian VP in the event’s 33 years. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will also attend the inauguration ceremony. With Vice President in attendance, security will be tightened at the Satram compound. Ticket holders must access the eastern pavilion via the route near Idasserymala East boat-shed, where seating has been arranged for special invitees. Complimentary pass holders must reach the tented area in the western gallery via the road near Idasserymala Karayogam hall. Vehicles will be diverted on Chengannur–Aranmula–Kozhenchery road and parking will be prohibited for the duration of VP’s visit. Palliyoda Seva Sangham has appealed to the public to cooperate with the restrictions from Vice President’s arrival until his departure.
Meanwhile, preparations for Vallasadya feast are under way and will continue till Sept 16, with 565 bookings for the Vallasadya offerings recorded so far. The traditional Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya will be held in the temple courtyard on Sept 4 and is expected to draw around 50,000 people. Travancore Devaswom Board president K Jayakumar will inaugurate it.