Preparatory works have officially begun at Aluva Manappuram in Kochi, gearing up for the upcoming Shivaratri celebrations scheduled for February 15. The Aluva municipality has launched early arrangements to ensure a smooth and grand observance of the annual festivities, which include plans for a monthlong trade fair and an amusement park to be set up in and around the Manappuram area.
Contract Awarded for Trade Fair at Reduced Rate
This year, the contract for conducting the trade fair was awarded to a Pathanapuram-based consultancy firm, which remitted Rs 53.9 lakh to the municipality. This amount is significantly lower compared to the previous two years, when auctions fetched over Rs 1 crore each year. Municipality chairperson Saiji Jolly attributed the reduced bid to limited response to repeated tenders.
"Only two bidders participated this year. Losses incurred by last year's contractor also affected bidder interest," she explained, highlighting the challenges faced in securing higher bids.
Initial Phase of Work Underway
According to municipal officials, the initial phase of work involves large-scale cleaning of Manappuram using earthmovers. This process includes removing bushes and undergrowth and levelling the land, which is expected to take about a week. During this period, materials required for the celebrations are scheduled to arrive, ensuring timely setup for the events.
Shivaratri Rituals and Auction Procedures
The Shivaratri rituals will be organized by the Travancore Devaswom Board, which will begin the auction of balitharas and temporary sheds on Tuesday. While religious ceremonies will be overseen by the devaswom board, the trade fair will be conducted by the municipality. In line with a High Court directive, all auction procedures related to Shivaratri must be completed at least one month in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
Focus on Aluva Town Hall Development
Meanwhile, municipal authorities have announced that the development of Aluva Town Hall will be prioritized in the coming months. As the municipality lacks sufficient funds to complete the renovation in a single phase, works are planned to be carried out through loans to ensure timely completion, reflecting a strategic approach to infrastructure improvements.
The early start to preparations aims to enhance the overall experience for devotees and visitors, combining religious observances with community activities like the trade fair and amusement park, thereby fostering a vibrant atmosphere during the Shivaratri celebrations.
