Kakinada: Preparations for Maha Shivaratri begin in EG

Kakinada: Endowments Deputy Commissioner B Durga Prasad directed the officials to make necessary arrangements at the Shiva temples for the smooth conduct of Maha Shivaratri on February 21.

A review meeting was held at Endowments Department office here on Thursday. Durga Prasad instructed the officials to erect special pandals and queue lines. The temples should be illuminated with colourful lights. He instructed the officials to complete development works before the festival by arranging makeshift pandals and setting up barricades.

He instructed officials that every care should be taken for smooth running of queue lines along with the darshan. The ancient Siva temples such as Someswara Swamy temple in Kotipalli, Bhimeswara Swamy temple in Draksharama, Veereswara Swamy temple in Muramalla, Kamandaleswara Swamy temple in Ryali, Chanukya Kumara Rama Bhimeswara Swamy temple in Samalkot and Kshana Mukteswara Swamy temple in Mukteswaram are decked up for the celestial fete. In Rajamahendravaram, Siva temples such as Uma Markandeya Swamy temple, Uma Kotilingeswara Swamy temple, Sarangadhareswara Swamy temple, Veereswara Swamy temple are given a facelift in connection with the Sivartri festival.

Prasad said that arrangements have been made for hassle-free darshan of the Lord. Drinking water and special prasadam counters were arranged. Moreover, Badam milk, ordinary milk and biscuits would be distributed to the devotees.

He suggested the officials to focus on cleanliness, drinking water facilities, traffic issues, transport and arrangement of health centers. Endowments department is not issuing VIP darshan tickets. The temple authorities need to make necessary arrangements to them, he added.