Local devotees alone can attend Kulasekaram Dasara fest

MADURAI: The Dasara festival is all set to begin with flag hoisting at Goddess Mutharamman temple in Kulasekarapattinam of Thoothukudi district on October 17. The festival in Kulasekarapattinam assumes great significance next to Mysuru.

Owing to COVID-19 pandemic and measures required to control any further spread, the District Administration has imposed some restrictions. The devotees, who undertake a religious practice of fulfilling a vow (kaappu kattuthal), should get prior permission from authorities concerned

“The festival used to have many rituals and practices, which the devotees used to observe from the past days. Since the COVID lockdown remains in effect, devotees from other states would be restricted and accommodation for devotees from other districts is also not allowed. However, the devotees could access temple by availing tickets either through online or in-person,” Thoothukudi Collector Sandeep Nanduri told reporters on Thursday.

This year, ‘Soorasamharam’, the significant event of the ten-day festival, that marks the victory of good over evil, would not take place on the seashore at Kulasekarapattinam, but on the premises of the Mutharamman temple.

Moreover, permission would not be given for putting up temporary shops on the premises. The devotees dressed as deities and also in various outfits as part of their rituals would be allowed to collect offerings at their localities itself. The Collector also said no musical orchestra would be allowed. As many as 1,500 police personnel would be deployed in the vicinity of the temple ahead of the festival. Once darshan is over, devotees are advised to leave the place.