CELEBRATION TIME: Minister J. Rammohana Rao and Mayor S. Chakravarthi showing a stall to MP Jayaprada during the Godavari Utsav in Rajahmundry on Tuesday. (right) Replicas of famous temples in East Godavari being arranged on the bank of the river. Photos: S. Rambabu

Rajahmundry: Kalasa Yatra (holy Kalasam with huge procession) with thousands of people participating in it, marked the launch of four-day Godavari Utsav here on Tuesday.

The Yatra commenced at Bipin Chandra Pal Chowk (Kotipalli bus stand) around 4 p.m. led by Godavari Utsav committee chairman and Minister J. Ramamohana Rao, convenor and Mayor M.S. Chakravarti, MLAs Rowtu Surya Prakasha Rao, Kudipudi Chittabbai and others. Film actress and MP Jayaprada, who hailed from the district, was the main attraction during the inauguration of flower, horticulture show and at the beginning of Kalasa Yatra.

`Nadi pooja'

The Kalasa Yatra culminated at Puskhara ghat and `Nadi pooja' was also performed by a large number of women.

Popular stage artist T. Subbaraju as Aadikavi Nannaiah writing Maha Bharatam in a chariot was in front portion of the procession. It was followed by Tappeta Gullu, Rela dance and Nadaswaram. The procession passed through the main road, Kotagummam and the 108 Kalki and Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari devotees carried Kalasams along the procession.

The Veera Natyam, Thimsa and Kommu dance by East Agency tribal were the main attraction in the procession. Garaga dance, Kolatam, artists in Kalika Devi appearance, Shirdi Sai devotees, RSS men in their uniform and devotees of Guru Raghavendra Swamy and Mehar Baba joined the procession.

Another attraction in the procession is decorated vehicles (Sakatalu) of different departments. The Road Transport Authority vehicle led by its deputy commissioner Y. Jayarami Reddy was more attractive conveying the message on road accidents.

Dwacra women in a uniformed dress followed by Government vehicles was the last part of the procession.

Utsav park

Minister for Roads and Buildings Jakkampudi Ramamohana Rao on Tuesday laid foundation for Godavari Utsav Park near Central Prison. He participated in plantation programme along with the Mayor, local MLA and Commissioner C. Sudarshan Reddy.

The Minister said the park would have fountains and growing different varieties of flowers and hybrid fruits on six acres of land.

Temple replicas

After this programme, Mr. Surya Prakash Rao inaugurated replicas of temples near Chitrangi guesthouse on the bank of the Godavari, arranged by the Endowments Department. The replica temples include Annavaram Satyanarayana temple, Talupulammalova, Ainavelli Vinayaka Swamy, Dwarapoodi Ayyappa Swami, Draksharama Bheemeswara temple and ISKON temples.

Flower shows

Ministers Ramamohana Rao, Gollapalli Surya Rao in the evening inaugurated flower and horticulture shows in Subrahmanya Maidan. The Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, with the help of Kadiam Nurseries, arranged this show.

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