Bhadrachalam January 08th, 2014: The trial run of the Hamsa Vahanam (boat decorated in the shape of a swan) meant for Teppotsavam, the float festival slated for January 10 in Bhadrachalam, was conducted in Godavari river in the temple town on Tuesday evening.

The trial run was conducted under the supervision of the engineers of the Irrigation Department and the officials of the allied government departments to test the operational efficacy of the boat ahead of the mega religious event.

Boat makes 2 rounds

The exercise is a prerequisite for the Irrigation Department to ensure the smooth conduct of the Teppotsavam in the Godavari as per the stipulated safety norms.

A large number of devotees watched the trial run of Hamsa Vahanam in the Godavari from the flood bank in the temple town on Tuesday evening.

The boat, decked up in swan shape, made two rounds in the area demarcated for the ensuing celestial cruise in the Godavari. Irrigation, Revenue, Police, ITDA, Endowments, and Fire Department officials were on board during the trial run.

“It has been decided to allow a limited number of persons, including the temple priests, irrigation and Fire Department personnel besides essential staff on board the Hamsa Vahanam during the Teppotsavam on January 10,” said K Sravan Kumar, Executive Engineer, Irrigation Department, Bhadrachalam.

Priority for safety

Mr Kumar said the first trial run of Hamsa Vahanam went off smoothly without any hiccups.

He said a total of eight boats, including six small rescue boats and an escort boat, will be deployed during Teppotsavam on Friday.

All the necessary arrangements are being made to organise the mega event on a grand scale in a safe manner.