Kerala, TN to join hands for temple fest


THODUPUZHA: The officials of Tamil Nadu and Kerala have decided to hold the controversial annual Mangaladevi Temple Festival at Thekkady on May 6.
A meeting of the officials from Theni and Idukki districts of the two states was held, in connection with the issue, at Thekkady, sources said. The two states attach great importance to the temple situated inside the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
The meeting decided to allow devotees to offer prayers from 5 am to 3 pm and impose restriction on the use of plastic while visiting the temple. Plastic cans with a capacity of five litres will not be allowed without permission. The pilgrims will not be allowed to wear slippers to the temple. District Collector E Devadasan directed the Forest Department to repair worn-out roads.
The team from the two sides agreed to inspect the temple to oversee the arrangements being made for the festival.
Kerala will deploy 450 policemen from Kumily at the temple.  The Kannagi Trust has given permission to use six tractors to carry food items to the temple for the poor.

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