Splendour, gaiety mark Sirimaanotsavam

People in multiples of hundreds cuddled behind narrow barricades and on high rise buildings.

Hereditary priest of the Pydithalli Temple seated atop Sirimanu being watched by thousands of devotees as he goes around the streets.

Splendour and gaiety marked the annual Sirimaanotsavam of Sri Pydithalli Ammavaru here on Tuesday. Amid high security surveillance the utsav passed off peacefully.

People in multiples of hundreds cuddled behind narrow barricades and on high rise buildings watched the Sirimaanu that was mounted on a chariot moving to and fro for three times from the temple to fort with tastefully decorated fishermen’s net, Anjali Ratham and a replica of Iravatham leading it in front. As the chariot was put in motion by temple volunteers, some people hurled bananas as an offering to the goddess as they believe that the Sirimaanu (ceremonial pole) represents the deity on this day.

Hereditary trustee of the temple and Union Civil Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju and his family members offered special prayers once again.They, along with Minister R.V. S. K. Ranga Rao, and other TDP leaders watched the utsav from atop the fort.

Reporters escape

Three mediapersons escaped unhurt when the wooden poles supporting the Sirimaanu gave way while the chariot was sent in motion at 4.05pm.

As the legacy being continued for the past many decades, Bantupalli Venkat Rao, son of former priest Bantupalli Byragi Naidu, was chosen to mount ‘sirimaanu’ for the first time.