Mandya DC holds preparatory meeting

Mandya: The ‘Vairamudi Brahmotsava‘ at Melkote in Mandya district will be held in a simple manner from Mar. 19 due to increasing number of Corona cases in the State.

Addressing the preparatory meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Office here on Monday, Mandya Deputy Commissioner (DC) S. Aswathi said, “The State is seeing a steady rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, marking the beginning of what could be a second wave. Hence, the ‘Melkote Vairamudi Brahmotsava’ will be held in a simple manner from Mar. 19 to 31.”

Speaking further she said that ‘Sri Vairamudi Kireetadharana Mahotsava’ of Lord Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy will be held on Mar. 24. “Every year, thousands of devotees gather at Melkote to witness the festival, but this year, restrictions will be imposed on all devotees coming from all other States, districts and other taluks of Mandya district, as per the guidelines issued by the Government on Mar. 12,” she added.

“Only 100 devotees will be allowed to enter the temple premises at a time. All devotees entering the temple through two entrances will have to undergo thermal-screening and COVID-19 test will also be done at the venue. Only those with negative report will be allowed inside the temple,” Aswathi said.

Stating that arrangements have been made to restrict the number of visitors to a maximum of 2,000 devotees, the DC said that except for the Priests and staff members deputed by the temple authorities, no other Priests will be able to enter the premises.

Mass feeding banned

Mentioning that distribution of prasada as well as serving of mass feeding has been banned during the festivities, the DC said that an order has been issued to close hotels as well. 

Timing to be reduced

“As per the tradition, ‘Brahmotsava’ used to be held from 3 pm to next day 4 am, but this time, we have issued orders to finish it by 12 midnight the same day. I would request all the devotees to wear masks, use sanitisers and maintain physical distance,” Aswathi added.

Mandya Assistant Commissioner Shivanandamurthy, SP Dr. Ashwini, DHO Dr. Manchegowda, Information Officer T.K. Harish, Pandavapura Tahsildar Pramod and others were present.