Steady flow of pilgrims on second day
Rajahmundry, July 15 (INN): The flow of pilgrims to Godavari Mahapushkarams on Wednesday, the second day of the 12-day river festival, was steady with many visiting the ghats to offer Pindapradanam to their forefathers on the auspicious Adhika Aashada Amavasya or Aadi Amavasya.
After the tragic stampede on the inaugural day resulting in 27 deaths, there seemed to be a lull albeit briefly on Tuesday. By evening, things were under control and several devotees who were fasting during day on the occasion of Maasa Sivarathri, the monthly event which occurs on the eve of Amavasya or New Moon every month, made a beeline during evening to take the holy dip and offer worship to Lord Siva. The rituals went into late in the night after which they broke the fast.
On the morrow, they continued more rituals on the occasion of Amavasya. Apart from Pindapradanam, there were others like offering prayers to Godavari River, Moosivayanam and Swayampakam offerings. Pushkaram period is also auspicious for charity or daanam. While the first day is said to be auspicious for giving away suvarna rajata dhanya and Bhoodanam - gold, silver, grains and land, the second day is significant for donating vastra lavana, dhenu and ratna danalu - clothes, salt, cows and gems. Some pilgrims were seen making these offerings with cows and calves seen carried in mini vans.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, shaken by the tragedy, made it a point to go round every ghat till 1 a.m. as part of damage control exercise. He also closely examined the road points leading to the various ghats in the city and suggested removal of some barricades for creating thoroughfare for the convenience of pilgrims.
The Chief Minister on Wednesday stationed himself in the Pushkaram control room and was seen closely monitoring the situation at every ghat with the help of CC cameras. Director General of Police JV Ramudu personally visited the ghats to inspect the security arrangements.
News Posted: 15 July, 2015
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