Tirumala: 3,500 Srivari Sevakulu, 300 NCC cadets to render services to pilgrims

Tirumala: TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal along with Additional Executive Officer A V Dharma Reddy on Friday inspected the arrangements made in four Mada streets in connection with annual Rathasapthami.

Speaking to mediapersons, the EO said all the galleries are provided with German sheds to shield the devotees from scorching temperatures during the day. He said continuous Annaprasadam, water and buttermilk distribution has been ensured in the galleries for the devotees. "We have set up 64 food counters, 1.75 lakh half litre water bottles and two lakh buttermilk sachets for the devotees. Nearly 3,500 Srivari Sevakulu, 300 scouts, 300 NCC cadets apart from 300 TTD security guards, 1,000 police personnel and 14 swimmers have also been roped in take care of pilgrim safety and security measures," he added. The EO said that Vahana Sevas commence with Suryaprabha Vahanam at 5.30 am and conclude with Chandraprabha Vahanam by 9 pm on Saturday.

Chief Engineer Ramachandra Reddy and others were present. Earlier addressing Srivari Sevakulu, EO Singhal described Srivari Seva as a "Supporting Arm" of TTD for serving the pilgrims. He said Srivari Sevakulu had offered dedicated services during Garuda Seva last year and Vaikuntha Ekadasi on January 6. "When compared to these two challenging festivitals, the pressure will be less during Rathaspathami. However, we all should be on alert in discharging our respective responsibilities," he observed Whistle wizard Siva Prasad mesmerises with his unique art: The performance by world-renowned whistle artiste K Siva Prasad enthralled the Srivari Sevakulu in a big way on Friday.

As a part of the orientation programme to Srivari Sevakulu at Asthana Mandapam, a programme by the whistle wizard has been organised. Siva Prasad has presented some noteworthy songs of Annamacharya which included Kondalalo Nelakonna.., Tandanana Aahi..., Pidikita Talambrala..., Narayanate Namo, Vedukundama... and bhajans Sarvatra Govinda Nama Sankeertana..., Govinda Krishna Jai...to rhythmic accompaniment of Bharadwaj on keyboard, Manjunath on tabla, OSD Phanirangasai on mridangam. Both the TTD EO Anil Kumar Singhal and Additional EO A V Dharma Reddy complimented and thanked the maestro of whistle music which is a unique art. They pointed out that Siva Prasad enthralled the huge gathering with his matchless skills for over an hour. Later, the EO and Additional EO felicitated the versatile artiste. 65-year-old Siva Prasad is a disciple of Carnatic music legend late Dr M Balamuralikrishna. He has given over 11,000 concerts world-wide and was conferred with many titles including Human Flute, Swasa Nada Brahma and many more.