Car festival at Kanipakam

Tirupati: The impact of Samaikyandhra was significant on the prestigious ‘Rathotsavam’ (car festival) at Kanipakam temple as part of the ongoing 21-day Brahmotsavams. The number of devotees was also very low this year. The suspension of APSRTC bus services are the main reason for the low turnout of devotees.

The car festival began at around 2.30 pm and concluded within four hours. Except for the Puthalapattu legislator Dr. Ravi, no other VIP was seen on the occasion. In fact the ministers and VIP devotees from Karnataka would present at this important occasion, but the unrest situation showed its impact on God’s event.

It is estimated that about 1000 devotees took part in the car festival. In general, it was an arduous task for the police to control the devotees on this occasion, but this year, such situation could not be seen. The entire event has gone smoothly. The presence of local youth from surrounding villages was also much low this year. Of course, few youth have come on motor cycles, but the women and children felt difficult to attend this festival due to transport problems. Temple executive officer Purnachandra Rao was also unhappy over the low presence of devotees but expressed happiness for the smooth completion of the ‘Rathotsavam’ within time.