Temple executive officer M. Srinivasa Rao held a preliminary meeting with the chief priests of the temples, Vedic scholars, heads of departments, engineering officials, and others on Thursday to discuss the necessary arrangements for conducting the festivities.
Discussions were held regarding various aspects of the festival, including the rituals (Kainkaryams) and Vahana Sevas for the presiding deities, the ‘Navadurga’ decorations for the goddess, and ‘Shami Puja’ on Vijayadashami, the Teppotsavam (float festival), and arrangements for vehicle parking, queue management, darshan, distribution of anna prasadam and cultural programmes.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Srinivasa Rao instructed the engineering department to install LED screens to enable devotees to view the festival proceedings. The electrical department was instructed to arrange appropriate decorative lighting for the occasion, while the horticulture department was told to set up special floral decorations in traditional style.
Meanwhile, the security wing was directed to make advance arrangements to prevent traffic congestion and manage vehicle parking during days of heavy footfall. They were also told to seek the cooperation from the local police. The security wing was specifically told to implement traffic control measures to ensure that vehicles, including two wheelers, did not obstruct the procession routes during ‘Gramotsavam’ (village procession) of the presiding deities.
As there is a likelihood of huge turnout during the festivities, the sanitation wing was instructed to pay special attention to cleanliness. Mr. Srinivasa Rao wanted special measures be taken to ensure public toilets were cleaned regularly without delay.
The annaprasadam distribution wing was told to make appropriate arrangements for serving the food in the afternoon and snacks at night, commensurate with the number of devotees. Similarly, the annaprasadam and queue complex departments were instructed to ensure the continuous supply of drinking water and snacks to devotees waiting in the queue complex for darshan.
The engineering officials were directed to install information boards at various locations to keep devotees informed about the details and significance of the festival and rituals. The publicity wing was instructed to keep devotees informed about festival-related highlights via social media as well.