Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh: Extensive preparations are underway for the grand Arasavalli Rathasaptami celebrations, with district authorities ensuring smooth darshan, improved facilities, and enhanced security for the large influx of devotees.
During a review meeting held at the District Collector’s office on Tuesday evening, District Collector Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar announced that common devotees will be allowed darshan in four organized lines in front of the temple, reducing waiting time significantly. Devotees will also receive upper tamboolam as part of the darshan arrangements.
The Collector emphasized that there should be no shortcomings in the management of the festivities and instructed officials from key departments to remain available and monitor operations sector-wise throughout the celebration period.
To ensure uninterrupted darshan for all, special routes are being planned for VIP movement so that the regular queues are not affected. Donor pass holders will receive direct access. As part of the festival initiatives, the Collector suggested organizing daily thematic stalls, prioritizing different communities such as fishermen, tribal groups, and devotees from other states. A special Kids Zone is being set up at KR Stadium for children.
For the welfare of devotees, the Municipal Department has been instructed to allocate dedicated space for food donors distributing annadanam. The Collector also stressed maintaining hygiene and uninterrupted supply of drinking water, sanitation facilities, and electricity. Shade nets and cold buttermilk will be provided along queue lines for relief from the sun. He called for coordinated efforts to make this year’s celebrations a grand success and a matter of pride for the district.
District Superintendent of Police Sri K.V. Maheshwara Reddy, IPS, stated that the police department is fully prepared with a special security plan to ensure the safety of devotees and smooth flow of the festivities. He appealed to devotees to park their vehicles only in the designated parking lots and cooperate with the police on duty.
The review meeting was attended by Joint Collector Farman Ahmed Khan, District Revenue Officer S.V. Lakshmanamurthy, RDO Sai Pratyusha, DSP Vivekananda, officials from Municipal and Temple Departments, and various district-level officers.
