'Makam Thozhal' to be celebrated tomorrow

Preparations are in full-swing for the 'Makam Thozhal' ritual to be held at Kerala's famous Chottanikkara Devi temple tomorrow.
A Cochin Devaswom Board official said preparations are underway for the 'Makam Thozhal' beginning from 2 PM tomorrow, at the ancient temple near here.
Over a lakh devotees, mainly women, are expected to throng the temple to have a glimpse of the goddess on the auspicious occasion, Chottanikkara Devaswom Assistant Commissioner M S Sajai said.
He said elaborate arrangements have been made with the support of various government agencies to facilitate a smooth darshan of the goddess who "appears in her sacred full-fledged splendour and glory decked in her sacred gold ornaments, precious jewellery and innumerable garlands" on the occasion.

The "Makam" star in the Malayalam month of "Kumbham" is one of the most auspicious days.
Nearly 84 CCTV cameras have been installed in and around the temple, which will be under the strict vigil of the security agencies.

Six-hundred police personnel have been deployed at the temple premises for the smooth conduct of the ritual, Sajai said.
"There will be a special queue for women devotees.
Drinking water and food items will be distributed to the devotees standing in queues.
Health facilities like ambulance services have been arranged to face any emergency," he added.
The ritual will continue till 8.30 PM.