Over three lakh to attend Dasara celebrations

Grand spectacle set to unfold on Indrakeeladri tomorrow

A grand spectacle is set to unfold at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri on Tuesday in the form of Dasara festivities. The Devasthanam has been allocated Rs 4 crore for the 10-day fete which will be held from October 13 to 22.

The traditional Devi Navaratri fete of Durga temple has attained greater significance this year as Dasara has been declared a State festival. Foolproof arrangements are being made at the temple to ensure hassle-free darshan for all devotees.

Roads leading to Durga temple have been spruced up. Special queue lines have been arranged from Vinayaka temple on the Canal Road. One queue line is meant for free darshan. Other queue lines are earmarked for holders of Rs 50, Rs 100 and Rs 250 darshan tickets.

The temple authorities have decided to introduce VIP break darshan this time on the lines of the practice at Tirumala. The VIP break darshan timings are 6 to 8 am and 3 to 4 pm during the festival days.

The bathing ghats of the Krishna river have been cleaned. Special arrangements are being made at the bathing ghats to meet the rush of devotees as generally most of them take a holy dip in the river before having a darshan.

About 800 shower bath systems have also been arranged for those who do not want to take a dip in the river due to heavy congestion. Makeshift rooms have also been set up to enable women devotees to change up after the dip.

Information centres have also been set up. The public address system has been arranged to make announcements from time to time to regulate the surging devotees and to prevent missing of children in the crowd. “All safety precautions will be taken to thwart any untoward incident at the bathing ghats.

The temple surroundings have been spruced up and the abode of Goddess Durga has been brightly illuminated. Final arrangements are still under way as one more day is left for the commencement of Dasara festivities,” informed a senior spokesperson.

Speaking to The Hans India on Sunday, Durga temple Executive Officer Ch Narasinga Rao said, “We are expecting a devotee rush of 50,000 to 60,000 a day during the fete. On the most auspicious days of Moola Nakshatram (October 19) and Vijayadasami (October 22), the devotee rush is expected to touch three lakh.

Chandi Homam, Laksha Kumkumarchana and other rituals will be performed at the temple during the festival. Devotees can participate in the rituals to be held at Yagasala and Bhavani Deeksha Mandapam on purchase of Rs 3,000 ticket.’’

Listing out other arrangements, the EO said, “The Devasthanam will run free bus services from the railway station and bus station for the convenience of devotees. Special arrangements are also being made for the transport of physically challenged and aged persons.

Annadanam will be organised at Sringeri Peetham located in Arjun Street during the festival days. As many as 19 prasadam counters will function during the fete to meet the heavy demand. Prasadam counters will also be set in Mallikarjuna Maha Mandapam and at the railway station and bus stand.

The Endowments, Revenue, Police, VMC and other departments are working in coordination to ensure the smooth conduct of Dasara festivities.'' Speaking about arrangements being made by the VMC for Dasara festivities, Municipal Commissioner G Veerapandian said, ``Top priority has been accorded to maintenance of sanitation at the bathing ghats and on the temple premises atop Indrakeeladri.

Temporary toilets will be set up near Seethammavari Padalu to curb open defecation. About 70 medical camps will be set up at various places to provide emergency medicare to devotees. Emphasis has also been laid on supply of drinking water to devotees in the queue lines.”

By Sistla Dakshina Murthy