Lakhs of devotees gather at Nellore s Bara Shaheed Dargah for Gandha Mahotsavam

TIRUPATI: Lakhs of devotees from across the country gathered at the Bara Shaheed Dargah in Nellore for the renowned Gandha Mahotsavam on Sunday night. This was part of the five-day Rottela Panduga festival that attracted people of diverse beliefs to the Dargah.

Mujavar Shavul, accompanied by Pakirs and local Muslim elders, performed a cleansing ritual on the tombs of the 12 Sufi martyrs at the Dargah. It is widely acclaimed that these Muslim warriors sacrificed their lives for the cause of humanity. Their final resting place received special perfumes during a ceremony the previous night.

The main highlight on Sunday night was a procession from the Animia Dargah in Kotamitta. Led by the chief priest riding on horseback and carrying a pot filled with sandalwood paste, a flock of 12 priests moved towards the Dargah. On arrival, the priest from Kadapa’s Ameen Peer Dargah, Hazarath Harivullah Hussaini, applied the sandalwood paste to the 12 tombs amidst the chanting of religious hymns. The remaining sandalwood paste was distributed among the devotees.

In an atmosphere of fervour at the Swarnala Cheruvu, devotees exchanged rotis to have their wishes fulfilled.

On the festival's third day on Monday, there was a tremendous demand for Udyoga Rotte, with swarms of unemployed youth present at the designated place to participate in the roti exchange.

To ensure a seamless and secure celebration, the festival committee in coordination with the district administration led by collector Hari Narayanan made elaborate arrangements for the festival. Nellore municipal corporation led by Vikas Murmat and the district police department led by SP Tirumaleswara Reddy ensured law and order and arranged provisions for pilgrim amenities throughout the festival.

Guntur Range IG Pala Raju said a team of 200 police personnel oversaw traffic regulations and queues during peak hours. A total of 80 children had gone missing in the crowd but were traced and reunited with their parents, he said.