Vijayawada: The local resident came forward to assist thousands of Bhavani devotees who were walking hundreds of kilometres to the Kanaka Durga temple for the annual Bhavani Deeksha Viramana (relinquishment). The denizens set up tents along the routes and provided food, drinking water and resting facilities to devotees who were travelling from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and West Godavari districts.
Officials estimated that six lakh devotees will participate in the five-day event this year. While the initial days witnessed a moderate flow, the number of devotees surged significantly on Monday. Upon reaching the city, the devotees, carrying Irumu on their heads, performed the ‘giri pradakshina‘ (circumambulation) around the Indrakiladri hill before visiting the temple.
Meanwhile, local residents and voluntary organisations have established 24/7operating mandapams along the eight-kilometre long Giri pradakshina route. There, they are offering free food, tea, coffee, buttermilk, and even first aid to ensure the comfort of the devotees. Additionally, they have also set up temporary shelters for the marching devotees to rest.
Bhavani devotees expressed gratitude for the arrangements.
“The people of Vijayawada are treating us with great care. They’ve provided free food and a place for worship, making our padayatra easier,” said Bayyarapu Venkateswara Rao, a devotee from Bobbili.
