Maha Sivaratri was celebrated with religious fervour in the city on Monday. The day began at 3 a.m. when people in large numbers thronged the bathing ghats of the Krishna to take a holy dip. Durga ghat, Bhavani ghat, Punnami ghat, and Padmavathi ghats were abuzz with activity from the early hours of the day. People of all ages from various parts of the city reached the ghats and later thronged the Siva temples in the city.
The devotees had a harrowing time at Durga ghat as the water levels were abysmally low there. The filth, dirt and mud could be seen near the steps of the ghat. The devotees contended themselves with shower baths. However, Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam made arrangements such as lighting, changing rooms for women, drinking water, public address system for the convenience of devotees.
The old Sivalayam in One Town witnessed unprecedented rush from the early hours of the day. An almost stampede-like situation prevailed in the queue lines.
Festive atmosphere was seen at Yanamalakuduru and the villagers arranged ‘prabhalu' in the streets and performed pujas amid blowing of trumpets. ‘Kolatam’, orchestra, ‘bakthi bhajans' and other cultural programmes enthralled the pilgrims.
Long queues were seen since early morning and the temples were packed with pilgrims. Devotees performed ‘akhanda deeparadhana', ‘Lingarchana', ‘Ksheerabhishekams' and performed special pujas to Sri Parvathi Ramalingeswara Swamy at Yenamalakuduru.
However, no untoward incident was reported during the day. The rush continued till late in the night at the temple and people waited for longer hours to get their turn.
The turnout of devotees was huge at Sivalayams at Governorpet, Satyanarayanapuram, Mutyalampadu and Ayodhya Nagar. Special Abhishekakms were performed at the temples which were illuminated for the occasion.
Special shows
A few theatres arranged screening of special shows after the regular night show for those who observe ‘jagaram’.
Sale of flowers and fruits gained momentum during the day.
