Andhra Pradesh

All set for celestial wedding

Photo: G.N. Rao

Big day ahead: Devotees performing ‘kolatam’ in Bhadrachalam on Sunday. —

BHADRACHALAM: The temple town has been decked up for the divine wedding.

The rituals commenced in earnest with ‘Edurukolu utsavam’ on Sunday. Elaborate arrangements were made to meet the pilgrim rush on the occasion. A host of dignitaries were bound for the town. Security was beefed up in the kalyanamantapam and the temple complex in view of Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy’s visit. The police took over the security in the temple complex well in advance.

Keeping in with the tradition, Dr. Reddy would attend the celestial wedding and take part in the rituals. Accompanied by Endowments Minister J. Ratnakar Rao, he would offer ‘Mutyala Talambralu’ and ‘pattu vastrams’ on behalf of the State government.

The month-long arrangements gave a festive look to the town. Over one lakh pilgrims were expected to throng the town on the occasion.

Many of them who reached the town in advance had been taking shelter on the sand dunes on the riverbank and under makeshift ‘shamiyanas’.

Arrangements were made in the kalyanamantapam to accommodate over 40,000 pilgrims. A giant screen was arranged to enable the devotees to watch the proceedings.

The police made it clear that entry into the kalyanamantapam would be only for those who possessed valid tickets and pass.

Collector Shashibhushan Kumar and Superintendent of Police D.S. Chauhan monitored the arrangements. VIP enclosures were kept under the close watch of the law-enforcing agencies.

Several services organisations had come forward to distribute drinking water sachets and butter milk in the enclosures.

Some two lakhs laddus were being readied for distribution to devotees. Special counters were being opened for the purpose.

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