It was a celebration of the rich culture and heritage as the ‘Vizianagaram Utsavalu’ was off to a colourful start here on Sunday. It also set the tune for festive spirit ahead of Sirimanotsavam for which elaborate arrangements are on.
Several venues wore a festive look as hundreds of visitors thronged Ayodhya grounds, Anandagajapathi auditorium and Vizianagaram Fort where an array of programmes were lined up as part of the celebrations, with cultural programmes taking the centre stage.
Science exhibitions, Maths fairs, stamps and currency exhibition, Indian cultural photo exhibition were organised in the fort. Several government departments and industries set up stalls in Ayodhya ground, showcasing the developments that have either been achieved or on the cards.
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Among the event, food festival and DWCRA Bazaar remained the many attraction for the visitors as they relished the traditional cuisines and chose their picks from the stalls.
Cultural show
Cultural events such as famous TV programme Jabardasth music director Taman’s live show, ‘Bol Baby Bol’ concert enthralled the audience. For the theatre lovers, several playlets were staged at Gurajada Kalabharati auditorium. Many people thronged the flower-fruits exhibition organised at P.V.G. Raju function hall near Ayodhya ground.
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Exhibition of old books and portrait of famous personalities at Sanskrit College attracted many youngsters and bibliophiles.
“The exhibition of old books will make the youth know about the rich culture of literature that once had flourished in this region,” said Ponasanapalli Krishna, a visitor.
Former Union Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Vizianagaram MLA Meesala Geeta, Collector M. Hari Jawaharlal and other dignitaries visited the venues.
‘Tolellu Utsavam’ today
The festival will continue on Monday on the sidelines of ‘Tolellu Utsavam’ of Sri Pyditalli Ammavaru.
Meanwhile, the district administration are making elaborate arrangements for the historic ‘Sirimanotsavam’ which will begin on Tuesday.
As many as 4 lakh devotees are expected to participate in the festival.
Hassle-free darshan
“Hassle-free darshan is being given a top priority. We have set up a control room to monitor and regulate the rush at the temple,” said temple Executive Officer Bhanu Raja. Officer on Special Duty Vikrant Patil said that around 10 DSP and 35 Circle Inspector rank officials will monitor the law and order situation during the festival.
“We will use drone cameras in all important places, including the fort, 7Lamp junction and temple premises. We have chalked out an action plan to avoid stampede and inconvenience to anyone when Sirimanu will be taken on a procession from the fort to the temple on Tuesday evening,” he added.
As part of the festival, the ‘Sirimanu’ is erected above the ground through a shaft attached to a chariot.
Hanging from the Sirimanu, the temple priest blesses the devotees as the procession covers the thoroughfares connecting Vizianagaram Fort and Pydathalli temple.