Sirimanotsavam celebrated amid rain in Vizianagaram

The annual Sirimanotsavam of Goddess Pydimamba was celebrated with grandeur and devotion in Vizianagaram on Tuesday, despite the heavy downpour during the grand celestial procession. Undeterred by the rain, thousands of devotees from across the State gathered to witness the Sirimanotsavam. The temple priest, Bantupalli Venkata Rao, was tied to the top of the sacred Sirimanu —a long tree trunk— and blessed the devotees on behalf of Goddess Pydimamba, considered the protector of Vizianagaram. Over two lakh people participated in the festival.

The Sirimanu moved three times between the Fort and the temple premises between 3:50 p.m. to 5 p.m, accompanied by Bestavari vala (umbrella made of fishing nets), Paladhara chariot, Anjali Ratham (replica of elephant procession). The narrow stretch between the two locations was packed with devotees, who stood patiently in the rain to offer prayers to Goddess Pydimamba and watch the Sirimanu.

In light of past incidents, involving stampedes during public events, the district administration implemented safety measures, including using barricades. As many as 2,600 police personnel were posted at different locations for crowd control, ensure safety of the people and smooth flow of traffic.

Members of the the Pusapati royal family including Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Vizianagaram MLA Aditi Vijayalakshmi Gajapathi Raju watched event from the Vizianagaram fort, alongside Minister for Endowments Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Minister for Home Vangalapudi Anitha and Minister for MSME Kondapalli Srinivas. Collector S. Ramsundar Reddy, Joint Collector Sedhu Madhavan, Superintendent of Police A. R. Damodar oversaw the arrangements for a hassle-free darshan.

This year’s event saw a higher turnout of devotees compared to previous years, largely due to the State government’s Stree Shaktí scheme, which offers free bus travel for women. The APSRTC operated 120 buses transporting devotees from rural areas.

Earlier in the day, Minister for Endowments Anam Ramanarayana Reddy offered pattu vastram on behalf of the State government, which has officially recognised Sirimanotsavam as a State festival.