Thousands pull chariot in Podili

Darsi (Prakasam): Religious fervour marked the traditional Rathotsavam (chariot rally) of Nirmamaheswara Swami of Podili. The chariot was taken out the day after Sivaratri. The temple was built in Krishnadevaraya time and the practice of Rathotsavam has been in vogue since then. Another interesting feature of the rally is that it is conducted during Amavasya period only. The Ratham which was built during Krishnadevaraya period is considered the second biggest ratham of this kind in the State. The chariot in a dilapidated state was repaired two years ago with the help of endowments department and donations from the public. The rally went through the streets of the town before reaching back to the temple. Thousands of people from neighbouring villages in Konakanamitla and Marripudi mandals and other places participated in pulling the chariot. It is believed that participation in pulling the chariot would lead them to salvation. Chief Whip of the YSRCP and Ongole MLA Balineni Srinivasa Reddy too participated in the rally and offered puja. Police made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the rally. Podili Circle Inspector Venkateswarlu monitored the arrangements with five SIs and over 100 constables. Cultural troupes, including folk artistes, participated in the rally. Folk artistes donning colourful attires performed various roles attracting the crowds. Other forms of folk arts like Kolatam, drum beats, various other folk dances formed part of the rally. Former MLA KP Konda Reddy, Sanikommu Pichi Reddy, Janke Venkata Reddy, former Zilla Parishad chairman David Raju, Prakasam district YSRCP president Nookasani Bala Raju among others participated.

Fire at Gunupudi Eluru: An unpleasant incident took place in the `radhotsavam' of Someshwara Janardhana Swamy at Pancharama Kshetram of Gunupudi (Bhimavaram) in West Godavari district on Monday. The Sivaratri festivities witnessed flames from fireworks that engulfed a makeshift tent of palm leaves erected for the Lord. Thousands of devotees were present to witness the incident-free `radhotsavam'. Amareswara Swamy 'radhotsavam' Amaravati (Guntur): The `radhotsavam' of Bala Chamundika and Amareswara Swamy passed off peacefully at Amaravati in Guntur district on Monday evening. About 200 police personnel were deployed to avoid untoward incidents.