Khammam January 4^th, 2014: The boat, “Sri Ramulu,” being decked up in the shape of HamsaVahanam

Six rescue boats, 30 swimmers to be deployed along riverbed during boat ride

Cruise of the presiding deities of Sri SitaramachandraSwamy temple on Jan. 10 in the Godavari

Integrated Tribal Development Agency Project Officer G. Veerapandian reviewing arrangements for VaikuntaEkadasi festivities in Bhadrachalam on Friday

Preparations are afoot in Bhadrachalam for the ensuing Teppotsavam, the holy cruise of the presiding deities of the Sri SitaramachandraSwamy shrine, in the Godavari, scheduled to be held on January 10.

Teppotsavam, the annual religious event popular for its scenic spectacle and grandeur, forms one of the most important events of the VaikuntaEkadasi festivities. VaikuntaEkadasi festival is slated for January 11.

Boat being decorated

A boat named “Sri Ramulu” has already been brought to the temple town from Kunavaram in the district for the upcoming divine voyage. It is being decked up in the shape of HamsaVahanam (boat resembling a swan) for taking the presiding deities of the Bhadradri temple on a cruise in the Godavari as part of Teppotsavam on January 10.

Orders have already been placed for adequate quantity of a wide range of flowers for decorating the HamsaVahanam during the Teppotsavam.

Officials of the Irrigation Department have devised an action plan to ensure the smooth conduct of the Teppotsavam in the Godavari. The plan envisages deployment of six rescue boats and 30 swimmers along the riverbed during the “celestial boat ride.”

A team of officials including the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Bhadrachalam, Project Officer, G Veerapandian, ASP Prakash Reddy, Executive Engineer, Irrigation Division, Bhadrachalam, K Sravan Kumar and others made an on-the-spot assessment of the arrangements for Teppotsavam in the temple town on Friday.

"The water level in the Godavari is hovering around 8.5 feet. It is adequate enough to conduct the boat ride without any hassles," said Sravan Kumar.

Fool proof safety arrangements are being made in the area earmarked for the boat ride in the river as well as all along the riverbed, flood bank and bathing ghats.

Safety Measures

A maximum of 27 persons, including the temple priests, higher officials and VVIPs will be allowed to board the HamsaVahanam during the Teppotsavam.

He said the celestial boat ride will be organised in strict compliance with the stipulated safety norms to prevent untoward incidents during the event.