Preparations in full swing at Ujjaini Mahankali Temple

Secunderabad: Preparations are underway in full swing at Ujjaini Mahankali Temple. Painting and lighting works are going on. Around 40 cameras are being installed and 2,000 police personnel and 30 She teams will be deployed.

Annapurna, executive officer at Ujjaini Mahankali Temple, said, "This year, VIP pass holders will come through Ramgopal Police Station Road." Last year, devotees came from Anjali Talkies. The road leading up to Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Devalayam at General Bazaar will be packed with devotees as the festivities will begin July 7. However, the major attraction at the temple is the two-day annual events set for July 21 (Bonalu) and July 22 (Rangam).

This year, we are expecting more than 40 lakh devotees for the two-day festival and year 35 lakh devotees visited the temple. Special saree is offered to the deity from Pochampalli. A gold 'bonam' by the temple will be offered to the Goddess, says Annapurna.

This year, elephant from Veera Thapasvi Veerabhadra Shiva Charyaru Samasthanam Muth, near Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) Karnataka, will take part in the Bonalu procession. Last year, Rs 10 lakh was sanctioned, but this year, Rs 40 lakh is the budget to conduct the festivities," said Annapurna.

Sri Varla Jayapal Reddy, station house officer, Mahankali Police Station said that more than 2,000 police personnel are going to be deployed at the temple to avoid any untoward incidents.