Date:28/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/08/28/stories/2004082808730400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Antyapushkarams end, two washed away

By Our Staff Reporter

RAJAHMUNDRY, AUG. 27. Tragedy struck on Friday, the last day of the 12-day Antyapushkarams, with the death of two devotees in East Godavari district.

Md. Dastagiri (32) from Rajahmundry was washed away while taking a dip in Kotilingalarevu in the town. Efforts to trace the body are under way.

In another incident, a six-year old boy drowned in the river at Munakalarevu in Sitanagar mandal in the district. The Rajahmundry Municipal Commissioner, P.S.R. Anjaneyulu, said the spots where the accidents had taken place were un-notified ghats. The festival came to a close on Friday in the East and West Godavari districts with a ceremonial farewell to the river god, `Pushkarudu.' According to an official estimates, 13 lakh devotees took a dip in the river in the East Godavari district in the last 12 days.