Chittoor: Limited number of devotees to be allowed on January 1: MLA MS Babu

Chittoor: Puthalapattu MLA MS Babu has directed the authorities of Srivarasiddi Vinayaka Swamy temple, Kanipakam to restrict the entry for number of devotees on January 1 in view of prevailing Covid-19 pandemic. Over 1 lakh devotees used to visit the temple as a tradition on the occasion of New Year which is to be modified as per the present circumstances, he stressed.

Addressing the review meeting of endowments, revenue, police and Transco officers held at Kanipakam Temple Administrative Building on Wednesday, he reiterated that safety of the devotees would be the top priority than generating revenue while celebrating the New Year fete.

"It is evident that second wave of Covid-19 is threatening the entire world. At this juncture, effective measures should be initiated in this regard. Hence, only limited devotees would be allowed to enter the temple for darshan of Lord Vinayaka following all the prescribed Covid precautions," he clarified.

Temple EO A Venkatesh said all necessary steps have been initiated to provide facilities for devotees on New Year event. "Darshan of Lord Varasiddi Vinayakaswamy would commence from 3 am and continue up to 9 pm on January 1. VIP Darshan would be entertained at a specific time. Hardly, below 20,000 devotees would be ensured free darshan. Devotees would be provided the sanitisers at the entry of temple," he said.