Heavy security in place in Thrissur for Karkidaka Vavu Bali ceremonies  

The Thrissur Rural police have deployed 500 personnel across key riverbanks and coastal areas to ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremonies for the Karkidaka Vavu Bali on Thursday.

Under the leadership of District Police Chief B. Krishnakumar, a meticulous security plan has been rolled out. The police have ensured that all 87 designated locations under various station limits, including Irinjalakuda, Kattur, Cherpu, Anthikkad, Mala, Alur, Chalakudy, Koratty, Athirappilly, Kodakara, Vellikulangara, Puthukkad, Varandarappilly, Kodungallur, Mathilakam, Kaipamangalam, Valappad, and Vatanappilly, are equipped with adequate lighting, warning signage, public address systems, and vantage surveillance points to monitor river access.

In addition to this, scuba diving and rescue teams, ambulances, and emergency response units will be stationed at all major venues. To manage traffic and crowd flow, police personnel will be strategically positioned at major junctions and access routes.

Pink Police units

Enhanced patrolling, especially for the security of women and children, will be led by SI Soumya E.U. from the Women’s Police Station and SI Ramya Karthikeyan from the Cyber Police Station. Two Pink Police patrol units have also been deployed.

Strict patrolling and precautionary measures have been implemented in and around all bali-offering locations. With high tide and river currents intensified due to ongoing heavy rain, the police have prohibited devotees from entering deep waters in rivers and the sea, citing safety concerns.

25,000 people expected

Though the rituals officially begin at 12.30 a.m. on July 24 and continue till 10 a.m., crowds are expected to start gathering from the midnight of July 23, especially at areas like Arattupuzha Mandaramkadavu (Cherpu), Koodapuzha (Chalakudy), and Kaara (Kodungalloor).

Last year, approximately 20,000 people participated in the ritual. This year, the number is expected to cross 25,000.