Lakhs of pilgrims take holy dip

There was a long line of vehicles proceeding to Pushkar ghats, on NH 44 on Friday with just one day remaining for the conclusion of Pushkaralu.

At Kandakurthi and Tadapakal, the traffic was quite slow with the movement of vehicles comprising cars, auto-rickshaws, RTC buses and even two-wheelers. An estimated 12 lakh people took holy dip in the Godavari in the district on Friday.

Many pilgrims came a day earlier and stayed overnight at the Pushkar ghats to have the bath early morning and offer prayers at nearby temples and perform rituals. A considerable number of pilgrims arrived from far-flung areas such as Karnataka and Maharashtra. Three NRI families from America came for the Pushkar bath at Tungini, says Krishnamacharyulu, a preist.

Meanwhile, the Pushkaralu passed off peacefully on the 11th day. The VIP rush seemed to have slowed down at the ghats here.

Teachers under the banner of the PRTU and the NGOs rendered voluntary service to the visiting pilgrims. An 85-year-old woman came from Vishakhapatnam for holy bath at Kandakurthi. Minister for Agriculture Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, who took part in Pushkaralu at Kandakurthi, told reporters that until Friday, 74 lakh pilgrims had taken holy bath at 18 ghats in the district.

He said the government made arrangements and not even a single complaint came during the last 11 days.

Praising the administrative and police machinery for their efforts and services during the Pushkaralu, he said they proved that they had ability to conduct any big event.

On Saturday, more pilgrims are expected to arrive. Scores of women offered ‘harathi’ to the Godavari at the sunset at Kandakurthi and Tungini.