Visakhapatnam: North Andhra's most-worshiped and Vizianagaram’s famous event, the Goddess Sri Paidithalli Ammavari Sirimanotsavam, was held with great fervour on Tuesday. Over 2.5 lakh devotees witnessed the Sirimanotsavam.
Education minister Botsa Satyanarayana visited the temple along with his family. Temple officials and priests welcomed him. After special pujas, the minister and his wife presented silk robes to the goddess on behalf of the state government.
The minister said, “I pray that the goddess’ blessings are with the people.”
Compared to the last three years, the turnout was huge this time. Pilgrims came from near and far to participate in the festival. On behalf of the presiding deity, the temple’s hereditary priest Bantupalli Venkata Rao blessed the devotees from atop the Sirimanu, the long trunk of a tamarind tree identified for the special privilege this year.
Sri Paidithalli's Ammavaaru walked along with traditional Paladhara, the Anjali Radham (replica of a white elephant) and the fishermen’s net (bestavari vala). The Sirimanu made three rounds around the temple on its way to the historic fort.
Although ‘Sirimanu’ started its journey from 4 pm and it continued up to 5.40 pm. The crowds began swelling from 3 pm onwards.
Large crowds witnessed the festival at the temple. IT and industries minister Gudivada Amarnath, deputy speaker Kolagatla Veerabhadraswamy, MLC Suresh Babu, MLAs SV Chinappala Naidu, Botsa Appalanarasiah, Kambala Jogulu and officials witnessed the festival.
At Srimanotsavam, the All-India DWCRA Bazaar at Ambedkar Junction, Tank Bund Road, with its 250 stalls was a major attraction. Products from all over the country were on display at this exhibition.
Artificial jewelry, home decorations, handicrafts items, pickles and food stalls did brisk business.
