A grand display of Pavitra Harati, cultural performances that reflected the traditions of Andhra Pradesh, and a spectacular show of pyrotechnics, brought the curtains down on the once-in-12-year Krishna Pushkaram river festival at the Pavitra Sangamam ghat near Ibrahimpatnam here on Tuesday.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Ministers M. Venkaiah Naidu and Suresh Prabhu, Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamy of Avadhoota Datta Peetham (Mysuru), and Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu and her coach P. Gopi Chand were special guests.
The government could heave a sigh of relief as the 12-day river festival came to an end without any major mishap barring a few incidents of drowning, and the road accident on the skew bridge in Vijayawada on the final day. Officials estimated that about 1.92 crore pilgrims participated in the pushkaram.
More than Mr. Naidu and his team of top officials, it was an occasion to rejoice for the approximately one lakh government officers and staff, and nearly 15,000 volunteers in three districts — Krishna, Guntur and Kurnool.
The reason was that the arrangements made for the festival were appreciated by the masses, who had no major complaints.
Police win accolades
The role of South Central Railways and the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transportation Corporation was praised as they helped millions in reaching their destinations. Barring sporadic incidents of shoving away overenthusiastic pilgrims, the police force earned compliments. From regulating the crowds at the railway stations and the Pandit Nehru Bus Station in Vijayawada city to ensuring their safety at the ghats and extending a helping hand to the needy, they won accolades from the people.
