Spiritual fervour marks Vaikasi Visakam festival atTirupparankundram
The Hindu
Thousands of devotees thronged Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Tirupparankundram on Friday on the occasion of Vaikasi Visakam.
Thousands of devotees thronged Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Tirupparankundram on Friday on the occasion of Vaikasi Visakam. Many of them carried pots of milk for abhishekam, kavadis and tender coconut water to fulfil their vows to the Lord. A good number of the devotees reached the temple with their tongues and other body parts pierced with spears. Annadhanam was organised at several places.
In order to ease the movement of the people on barefoot under the scorching sun, coconut coir had been spread on the road leading from the arch of the bus stand to the temple. Showers had also been installed along the path. Two Mobile toilets had been deployed. Inside the temple, large electric fans and air coolers had been placed. Drinking water was made available for the devotees.s
More than 2.6 lakh village and ward volunteers in Andhra Pradesh, once celebrated as the government’s grassroots champions for their crucial role in implementing welfare schemes, are now in a dilemma after learning that their tenure has not been renewed after August 2023 even though they have been paid honoraria till June 2024. Disowned by both YSRCP, which was in power when they were appointed, and the current ruling TDP, which made a poll promise to double their pay, these former volunteers are ruing the day they signed up for the role which they don’t know if even still exists