Pushkaram: Two-day holiday in Andhra Pradesh

July 20, 2015 09:02

In view of the huge rush of pilgrims for the 12-day long Godavari Pushkaram in Rajahmundry, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to keep the ghats open for 24 hours and also announced two day special holiday from today.

"Special holidays have been declared on Monday and Tuesday in Andhra Pradesh for the Godavari Pushkaralu," Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister N Chinnnarajappa said.

The special holiday would be for schools, colleges, offices and commercial establishments in the state.

"We are witnessing serpentine queues in Rajahamundry and other rural ghats. Hence, the state government has extended to 24 hours the bathing time at the ghats for the convenience of pilgrims," he said adding devotees can take dip in the river round the clock.

We are expecting more rush in the next two days and making necessary arrangements including security to the pilgrims for their smooth movement in ghats and security. Our aim is to send the pilgrims to their native places safely, he said.

The mega religious event -- also called Kumbh Mela of the South -- had witnessed a stampede, which had claimed 27 lives on the first day of the festival (July 14).

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Ready For Shaitaan On OTT?

Holidays turn into horror, Bhansali brand of razzmatazz and tons more on OTT this week.

He was talking about...: White House on Biden's 'xenophobic' remark

'He was making a broader point. Our allies and partners know very well that -- how much this president respects them'

Beware Of This SCAM!

'Avoid rushing into any financial transactions or disclosing personal information.'

Fintechs Push For Easier KYC

'For smaller merchants, there should be a process that is digital and a minimum KYC journey should be allowed.'

Fun Time! It's Quiz Time!

Sukanya Verma quizzes you to find out just how much you know about the movies.