Deities all set for boat ride on Krishna

Vijayawada: Elaborate arrangements have been made for the conduct of annual Teppotsavam to be held in Krishna River on Friday, the ninth day of Dasara celebrations.

The deities will be taken on ride in the Hamsa Vahanam, a specially decorated boat in Krishna river near the Durga Ghat upstream of Prakasam Barrage.

The district administration and temple authorities conduct the Teppotsavam in a grand manner every year and limited number of devotees allowed to see the event. On Thursday, Prakasam district Collector J Nivas along with Police Commissioner B Srinivasulu, Joint Collector K Madhavi Latha, Durga Temple executive officer D Bhramaramba and other officials inspected the arrangements for the Teppotsavam.

Earlier in the day, the Collector convened a meeting with the officials of Irrigation, Fire, VMC, Fisheries, Revenue and other departments on conducting the Teppotsavam. As one lakh cusecs of flood water is flowing in Krishna River, the devotees will not be allowed in the nearby areas.

The officials are of the view that it is not safe to allow devotees into the Durga Ghat to view the Teppotsavam. Only officials and the priests will attend the boat ride in the specially illuminated and decorated boat.

Commissioner of police B Srinivasulu said there is a possibility of heavy rush of devotees on the ninth day of the Dasara celebrations. He said all arrangements were made for the hassle-free darshan. He said tight security will be in place for the smooth conduct of the Teppotsavam.

He said traffic will not be allowed on Kanaka Durga flyover and on the main road from Durga Temple to Kummaripalem junction.

Heavy bandobust will be made on Prakasam Barrage and vehicles only possessing pass will be allowed on the ghat road.

Teppostavam is one of the main attractions in Dasara celebrations in Vijayawada and many devotees wish to see the annual event. But this year, the flood levels are high in Krishna River and devotees may miss to view it from Durga Ghat.