Famous Dasara Festival in Tamilnadu at Kulasekarapattinam Mutharaaman temple will commence with a flag hoisting ceremony on October 17. Kulasekarapattinam Dasara festival is famed next to Dasara celebrations in Mysuru in its grandeur.
A petition was submitted to the Collector and it stated that those who wear the attire of the Goddess would collect the ‘kaappu’ (holy cloth) from Sri Muththaramman Temple before commencing their fast prior to the Dussehra celebrations. Hence, the leader of the Dussehra team and one more person should be allowed to enter the temple to receive ‘kappu’ from the temple.
Hindu Munnani State leader V P Jeyakumar along with Dasara team submitted a petition to district collector seeking permission for allowing the devotees with ‘kaali’ attire to have darshan in the temple, temple administration to organize the entire festival with temple funds, while ensuring physical distancing.
This year COVID-19 related restrictions are in force in places of worship. Accordingly, Thoothukudi collector Sandip Nanduri allowed Dasara celebration and released SOPs.
1: Not more than 8000 people will be allowed for swami dharshan in the temple
2: The flag hoisting ceremony and the Soorasamharam event will not be open to the general public. Meanwhile, the Soorasamharam that usually is held in the Kulasai beach, will now be held in the Parihara Mandapam inside the temple premises.
3: Devotees can reserve their darshan tickets online or by visiting the temple in-person
4: Devotees who go around the village for alms are not allowed to visit nearby villages
5: One representative from each village administration will be allowed to be present during the flag hoist ceremony and get the ‘Kaapu’ for their respective villages.
6: Devotees are not allowed to stay inside the temple premises.
Sandip Nanduri further said that nearly 1500 police personnel will be engaged for security and the 10-day Dasara will end on 22nd October.
