Hyderabad, Aug 09: A record 4.5 crore devotees have taken holy dip on the banks of Godavari river across Andhra Pradesh so far as part of "Godavari Pushkaram", considered the "Kumbh Mela of the south", which will conclude tomorrow, official sources said today. It is virtually a sea of humanity thronging the bathing ghats at the temple towns along the Godavari course spread over seven districts, with Rajahmundry in east Godavari district hosting the main event.
The sources said that the pilgrim turnout might cross five crore, the highest in the history of the state.
As massive crowd of devotees thronged over 140 bathing ghats, an over-stretched administration is finding it difficult to manage the surging crowds.
Occurring once in 12 years when Jupiter enters the zodiac sign of Leo, the 12-day mela evoked immense religious fervour with Hindus from across the country congregating along the banks of Godavari.
The state health department staff manning the medical centres set up at Pushkaram sites had to work overtime providing help to pilgrims showing up with minor ailments.
Bureau Report