Andhra Pradesh

Arrangements in place for smooth conduct of Sirimanotsavam

VIZIANAGARAM: The forthcoming sirimanotsavam of the village goddess Sri Pydithalli Ammavaru would be celebrated in a befitting manner, said Joint Regional Commissioner S. Kondala Rao.

Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Mr. Kondala Rao said that ‘kalajathas’ with six teams would be arranged to entertain devotees waiting in rows to witness the sirimanotsavam that would begin at 3.30 pm on October 14. He said that VIP darshan tickets, not exceeding 1500, would be issued 10 days in advance and the time of darshan based on these would be decided later. The JRC said that special prasadam counters would also be opened.

On renovation of the temple, Mr. Kondala Rao said that negotiations were on with surrounding building owners for their acquisition. Renovation of the temple after acquisition would relieve congestion during the festival, he felt.

Clearing the air on who would sit on the pedestal of sirimanu, the JRC said that Bairagi Naidu would once again be allowed to take the seat this year and added that from next year onwards a proposal was being sent to Endowments Department to appoint him on contract. He said that elaborate arrangements were being made to avoid jostling during the three trips of the ceremonial post from the temple to the fort. The fort would be illuminated during the festival days, he said. Efforts were also being made for a live coverage of the event on TTD’s Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel on that day.

Regarding Theppotsavam on October 21, he said that it would be celebrated in “pedda cheruvu’ itself as there is no other alternative. He appealed to municipal officials to clean the cheruvu for the event. Executive Officer of the temple Ch. Hanumantha Rao was present.

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