All arrangements were put in place for the smooth conduct of Mahasivaratri at Vana Durga Bhavani temple located at this village. About 6 lakh pilgrims are expected to visit the temple for the next four days beginning from Monday.
There used to be only two temples of Vana Durga Bhavani – the other one was at Kashmir which was closed down long ago.
Usually, during the time of Sivaratri, the authorities used to release water from Singoor so that pilgrims could have a holy bath before going for darshanam of Goddess Vana Durga Bhavani. As there is not enough water at Singoor, the officials are forced to pump water from Ghanapur anicut. For the past five days, the officials were pumping water to bathing ghats by using five motors, and it would continue for the next five days as well.
Though there was lack of hygiene at surrounding places, the officials attribute it to lack of water, and said that they were in the process of cleaning the area. Barricades were already erected and a 40-member sanitation team was roped in from the neighbouring villages. The District Panchayat Officer has been personally supervising the sanitation arrangements. About 250 temporary toilets were already constructed and mobile toilets were kept ready for use depending on the requirement. According to Revenue Divisional Officer M. Nagesh, 45 choultry rooms were already available, with two rooms and a hall with a capacity to accommodate between 30 and 50 pilgrims. Additionally, another 50 temporary sheds are being erected. About 20 dressing rooms were kept ready for women.
