Elaborate arrangements have also been made for the Gandha Mahotsavam, during which sandalwood paste will be applied to the 12 tombs at the dargah late on Saturday night.
Nellore: Lakhs of devotees from Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states thronged the historic Bara Shaheed Dargah and Swarnala Cheruvu on the second day of the annual Rottela Panduga on Saturday, as the festival gathered momentum ahead of the Gandha Mahotsavam.
The centuries-old festival's signature ritual of exchanging "wish rotis" remained the main attraction at the Swarnala Cheruvu ghats. Devotees whose wishes had been fulfilled offered rotis, while others received them in the hope of similar blessings. Santana Rotis, associated with the blessing of children, were the most sought-after, followed by rotis offered for employment, housing, health and educational success.
Minister Ponguru Narayana reviewed the festival arrangements from the police command and control centre and inaugurated four advanced surveillance drones for round-the-clock aerial monitoring. He also inaugurated the Langar Khana (community kitchen) and served food to devotees.
The minister said nearly three lakh devotees visited the dargah on the opening day, while Saturday's turnout was expected to touch four to five lakh. Around six to seven lakh pilgrims are expected on Sunday, the main day of the festival.
He said the state government had sanctioned Rs 20 crore for infrastructure after declaring Rottela Panduga a State festival and allocated an additional Rs 5 crore this year. A Rs 10-crore prayer hall is also under construction and is expected to be ready before next year's festival.
Meanwhile, Guntur Range Inspector General of Police Sarva Shrestha Tripathi reviewed the elaborate security arrangements and directed police personnel to ensure smooth crowd and traffic management while extending courteous assistance to devotees.
Elaborate arrangements have also been made for the Gandha Mahotsavam, during which sandalwood paste will be applied to the 12 tombs at the dargah late on Saturday night.
