Nellore: Thousands of devotees participated in the chariot festival held as part of ongoing Brahmotsavam at two-centuries-old Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple at Buchireddypalem, 18 km from here on Tuesday. Chanting "Jai Sriram, Jai Jai Sriram" devotees pulled the tastefully decorated chariot along the streets of the old town.
Large number of women has participated in the event and young among them were seen vying with men for place to hold the chain and pull the chariot unmindful of the sultry conditions. Temple committee member Bezawada Nareshchandra Reddy was seen giving directions to the devotees from atop the chariot from time to time.
Police had a tough time in controlling the swelling crowds and they heaved a sigh of relief after the chariot returned to its original slot after an hour-long religious journey. SI Venugopal Reddy followed the chariot till it was back into its slot.
There was a manifold increase in the turnout to witness the colourful float festival held in the evening. Hereditary trustees Dodla Muralikrishna Reddy, Bezawada Obul Reddy, Bezawada Dasaratharami Reddy, Bezawada Sreenadh Reddy and Bezawada Rajesh Reddy were present among others.
