Karimnagar: Vemulawada spruced up for Mahasivaratri Jatara

Karimnagar: All arrangements are in place for the smooth conduct of the annual Mahasivaratri Jatara, slated to be held in the temple town of Vemulawada from March 6 to 8.

Executive officer of the Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Devasthanam (SRRD) D. Rajeshwar Rao said that they had co-ordinated with different departments and also spent Rs 1.10 crore on devising arrangements for the 4 lakh pilgrims who come from the state and from neighbouring Maharashtra, Chhattishgarh and Tamil Nadu during the three-day period of festivities. Long queues form for taking darshan of Lord Shiva, the devotees offer oxen (Kode Mokku) as a token of gratitude for their families’ well-being.

Sircilla DSP P. Sudhakar said that about 1,000 police personnel would be deployed in the town to keep in check any untoward incidents and petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and chain-snatching. As many as 40 CCTV cameras have been installed at important spots in the town and key locations within the temple premises. A one-way traffic system will be put in place, he added.

As per tradition, the authorities and priests of the TTD and state government will present silk clothing.