Pushkaram: AP govt declares 2-day holiday from tomorrow

In view of the huge rush of pilgrims for the 12-day long Godavari Pushkaram here, Andhra Pradesh government today decided to keep the ghats open for 24 hours and also announced two day special holiday from tomorrow.
"Special holidays have been declared on Monday and Tuesday in Andhra Pradesh for the Godavari Pushkaralu," Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister N Chinnnarajappa said here today.
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.
Chinnarajappa, who is also the state Home Minister, said over 30,000 police personnel are rendering services to pilgrims. In addition to this, another 5,000 police personnel from other states has been pressed into service.

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

Speaking to reporters early today, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that all arrangements, including supply of food packets, water packets, have been made for the pilgrims.
Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation Managing Director Sambasiva Rao said 700 buses has been pressed into service between Rajahmundry and Visakhpatnam to meet the extra rush of pilgrims.