Vizianagaram Sirimanotsavam to begin at 3 p.m. tomorrow

The traditional Sirimanotsavam of Sri Pyditalli Ammavaru will begin at 3 p.m. on Tuesday in the backdrop of cyclonic storm Arnab which is expected to cross coast in North Andhra on Wednesday morning.

Vizianagaram Collector S. Ramsundar Reddy, Superintendent of Police A.R. Damodar who reviewed the arrangements directed the officials concerned to prepone the beginning of ‘Sirimanu’ at 3 p.m. instead of 4 p.m. According to a statement, as many as two lakh people will take part in the festival.

Meanwhile, festive atmosphere prevailed with the arrival of devotees from different places to take part in Siriamnotsavam which was preceded by Tholellu celebrated on Monday.

The temple authorities made elaborate arrangements to ensure hassle free darshan of the presiding deity in the temple which was recently rebuilt with an estimated cost of around ₹1.8 crore. The new and spacious premises helped the devotees to have darshan peacefully.

Heavy barricades were set up on both sides of the temple as the devotees’ number would be more on Tuesday.

Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju’s daughthers Aditi Vijaya Lakshmi (Vizianagaram MLA) Vidyavati Devi offered special prayers in a tradional manner. They offered special prayers in the temples of the Goddess Mahalakshmi and the Lord Anjaneya Swamy in Vizianagaram fort built by Pusapati family three centuries ago.