The Vairamudi Utsava is being celebrated in a simple manner, at Melkote, Mandya district on Wednesday.
With the rise in Covid cases, the district administration has limited the festival to only locals. Check posts have been opened at two entrances to Melkote. The devotees from other places, districts and states will be sent back from the checkpoints. It may be mentioned that the festival was limited to the temple premises last year also.
Only 50 people would be allowed inside the temple at a time. It is mandatory for the devotees to carry an identity card to enter the temple. Police security has been beefed up around the temple.
The box containing the diamond-studded crown is brought from the district treasury, as per the tradition and taken to Melkote. The box will be opened in the presence of the deputy commissioner and other officials in the evening and adorned to the deity.
Arrangements have been made for live telecast of all the religious rituals on Facebook and YouTube.