Devotees perform bali tharpan

: Devotees from various parts of Kerala began performing 'bali tharpan' on the nearby Aluva sand banks on the occasion of Mahasivarathri today.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has made arrangements for the devotees to arrive at the venue and peform the rituals for their ancestors at the banks of the Periyar river near the Mahadeva temple.
At least 300 'bali tharas' (Stone platforms) have been set up by the TDB for the devotees to perform the rituals. A temporary bridge has also been constructed to take the people to the sand banks.
Over 1,000 police personnel have also been deployed to provide security during the Sivarathri celebrations.

Lord Siva temples across the state are witnessing a huge crowd of worshippers today.