J365 NEWS,PITAPURAM: As part of the Mahashivaratri celebrations, the Rathotsavam (chariot festival) of Sri Uma Kukkuteshwara Swamy, along with Sri Rajarajeshwari, was conducted with grandeur on Thursday evening. From the morning, temple priests performed special poojas for the deities.At 3 PM, rituals such as Nakabali, Dandadirapu, and Dongaladopu Utsavam were conducted in the temple. Later, the utsava idols of the deities were placed on a palanquin and carried in a procession through the town streets by local police, devotees, and temple authorities. The procession reached Sri Kunti Madhava Swamy Koneru, where the idols were beautifully decorated with lights and floral garlands before being installed in the grand chariot prepared for the Rathotsavam.
The procession was a spectacular sight, featuring Garaga Nritya (traditional dance), various artistic performances, band music, and devotional singing. Devotees pulled the chariot through Rathalapeta and Uppada Center, where it was stationed for public darshan.Under the directives of District Collector Shanmohan Sagili and SP Bindu Madhav, with ASP Devaraj Manish Patil’s leadership, CI G. Srinivas and the police force ensured tight security for the event. The large number of devotees at Uppada Center made the venue lively and vibrant. The fireworks display arranged by temple authorities became a major attraction for the spectators.