Gunadala Mary Matha festival begins

By DASI PURNA KARTHIK

On 09 Feb 2025 19:33:10

• Drawing lakhs of devotees

• Police, Transport, Municipal depts make arrangements

Varaprasada Rao K

Vijayawada: The 101st Gunadala Mary Matha festival, also known as the Lurtha Matha festival, commenced today at the hill shrine on Eluru Road. The three-day annual event, running from February 9 to 11, is expected to draw nearly one million devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Transportation Arrangements:To accommodate the massive influx of devotees, the Transport Department has arranged additional bus services across the state.

The Railways have also introduced temporary halts for select trains to assist devotees arriving from the north coastal Andhra districts. The South Central Railway has permitted an extra minute's stoppage for six express trains at Ramavarappadu station for the duration of the festival.

Traffic and Security Measures:Ahead of the festivities, the Vijayawada city traffic police have enforced traffic diversions starting from the night of February 8. In light of recent safety concerns, including the stampede in Tirupati, Police commissioner S V Rajasekhara Babu has reinforced stringent security measures to ensure the safety of all attendees.

A significant police force, including 17 deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) and 44 inspectors, has been deployed to maintain law and order and manage traffic around the Gunadala Mary Matha Temple. DCP Gautami Sali has briefed officers and staff on security protocols, emphasizing the integration of modern technology such as CCTV cameras and drones to monitor the temple and surrounding areas.

Officials have been instructed to remain vigilant, assist devotees, and ensure smooth movement throughout the festival. The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation has undertaken extensive measures to enhance the experience for devotees. Sanitation workers have been deployed to maintain cleanliness at the hill shrine, while provisions have been made to supply drinking water throughout the festival.