Navaratri Idols Embark on Grand Procession to T'puram

The revered Navaratri idols are making their way from Padmanabhapuram to Thiruvananthapuram, with their arrival anticipated on Sunday evening. The sacred procession commenced on Saturday morning from Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swami temple, following a ceremonial sword handover at Padmanabhapuram Palace.

Upon reaching East Fort, the idols will be ceremonially welcomed at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Following the Aarattu, the Saraswati Devi idol will be placed at Saraswati Mandapam in Poojappura for worship. Other idols will be installed at Aryasala Devi Temple and Chenthitta Devi Temple.

The annual Navaratri festival, organized by Janakeeya Samithi, begins Saturday evening at Poojappura's Saraswathi Mandapam, with Minister K Muraleedharan presiding over the inauguration. This year's event will also honor Sreekumaran Thampi with the Vaanimani Award.

This 11-day festival, running until October 21, will showcase a variety of musical and cultural performances across three venues. The event will feature devotional music, classical concerts, and dance recitals, complemented by exhibition stalls from various government and private institutions.

The festival culminates on October 21 with Vidyarambham and a large Kavadi procession originating from Sree Mahadeva Temple. Elaborate security arrangements, including CCTV surveillance, will be in place throughout the Poojappura grounds to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.