Maha Shivratri celebrated across the state

Thiruvananthapuram: The Hindu festival of Maha Shivratri was celebrated with zeal and religious fervour across Kerala Monday.

Devotees of all age groups thronged Lord Shiva temples in various parts of the state to participate in special poojas and offered worship.

Major Shiva temples, including Vadakkunnathan temple in Thrissur, Maha Deva temple in Vaikom, and Sree Kandeswara temple here, witnessed heavy rush from early morning.

Thousands participated in the famous 'bali tharpanam' ritual on the banks of Periyar River at Aluva in Ernakulam District.

Over 200 'bali taras' (specially erected platforms) have been set up on the banks of the river to perform the ritual and hundreds of priests have been deployed to assist devotees.

Around 2,000 police personnel were deployed to take care of the security situation.

Cultural programmes were also organised in many temples.