Arasavalli Teppatirunallu Festival Set for November 2

Visakhapatnam: The date for the Teppatirunallu (Swan Boat Festival) at the revered Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Devasthanam in Arasavalli has been officially confirmed.

According to a statement issued by K.N.V.D.V. Prasad, deputy commissioner of the Endowments and Charities Department, the festival will be held on Sunday, November 2, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This vibrant celebration marks the auspicious occasion of Kshirabdi Dwadashi.

The sacred Indra Pushkarini (Koneru), situated opposite the temple, will serve as the venue for this visually stunning event. Ceremonial idols, along with the presiding deities, will be placed on a magnificently adorned swan-shaped float and taken on a graceful procession across the temple tank.

The sight of the divine entourage gliding over the water is expected to draw thousands of devotees and visitors. In anticipation of the large gathering, temple authorities are making comprehensive arrangements to ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for all attendees.

Kurnool Advocates Boycott Court Duties Demanding HC Bench

Kurnool: Advocates in Kurnool continued their boycott of court duties on Wednesday, demanding that the state government fulfil its promise to set up a High Court Bench in the city.

Senior advocate and Rayalaseema Advocates’ JAC convener Y. Jayaraju said that while they welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s Thursday programme, the protest is meant to press their demand for the establishment of the Bench.

He pointed out that although the state government had promised the Bench, passed a resolution, and included it in the coalition government’s election manifesto, there has been no progress so far. Jayaraju urged the government to expedite the process and adhere to its assurances. He said the protest would continue on Thursday as well.

JS Corporator Opposes APTDC’s Rushikonda Notification

Visakhapatnam: Jana Sena corporator Peethala Murthy Yadav has accused the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority (APTA) of illegally proposing the use of Rushikonda buildings in violation of environmental laws and ongoing court proceedings.

APTA recently issued a notification to discuss with national and international hospitality experts how best the buildings constructed by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) in Yendada village and the adjacent nine acres of land in Chinagadili mandal of Visakhapatnam could be put to use. In this regard, a meeting is scheduled to be held at the Vijayawada Tourism Office on Friday.

Murthy Yadav has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) against the violation of environmental laws in constructing these buildings. The PIL is pending before the High Court, which, the corporator says, has directed a halt to all further activity in the matter.

Murthy Yadav warned that inviting investments while the case is sub judice amounts to contempt of court and undermines the legal process. “If these activities continue, I will seek further investigation and action under the Contempt of Court Act,” he said.

He maintained that inviting international and national organisations to invest in the disputed project could lead to litigation and environmental degradation, posing a threat to the existing Olive Ridley turtle breeding grounds within the vicinity.

Meanwhile, Jana Jagarana Samiti, led by its north Andhra zone convener Tallavalasa Durga Prasad, staged a symbolic protest displaying banners reading, “Rushikonda buildings are not for sale,” condemning the NDA coalition government’s alleged efforts to privatise the Rushikonda buildings and other government properties.

Temple Development Plan Focuses on Culture, Heritage

Nellore: The Prakasam administration has undertaken a major initiative to promote and preserve the heritage and cultural significance of temples throughout the district. There are 1,001 temples and choultries under the control of the Endowments Department, including 12 ancient and historically important temples, and about 38,866.95 acres of temple land.

At a review meeting held at the collectorate on Wednesday, officials from the Endowments Department briefed that a comprehensive plan is being prepared to develop these temples and publicise their history, traditions, and annual festivals. The initiative aims to create greater public awareness of the spiritual and cultural heritage of Prakasam district.

As part of the plan, about 20 ancient and historic temples will be identified in the first phase. Detailed information about their history, architecture, and festivals will be documented, and steps will be taken to organise major fairs and religious celebrations to highlight their importance.

The administration also plans to take strict measures to protect temple lands from encroachments and ensure proper management for the benefit of the temples and devotees.

District Collector P. Rajababu presided over the meeting and directed the Endowments Department to implement the development and protection measures in a systematic manner. The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Panakala Rao, Superintendent Sridhar Reddy, and other officials.