Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada   

Devotees throng Gunadala

Staff Reporter

Faithful climb the hillock to pray at the grotto housing the shrine

SEA OF HUMANITY: Devotees climb the hillock to offer prayers at the Holy Cross at Gunadala Mary Matha shrine on the second day of three-day festival in Vijayawada on Friday. PHOTO: CH. VIJAYA BHASKAR

VIJAYAWADA: All roads led to Gunadala, on the second day of the three-day annual festival at Mary Matha shrine. Pilgrims poured in from all over the State to participate in the main prayers to be held on Saturday morning.

The calls of vendors, selling different wares, and dust, thrown up by the feet of thousands of pilgrims who came in a continuous stream to Gunadala hillock, filled the air. The faithful climbed up the steep hillock to offer prayers at the grotto housing the shrine. Many lit candles and others had their head tonsured in gratitude for the fulfilment of their wishes. People belonging to all faiths were seen praying at the grotto and participating in the special festivities organised on the occasion.

"I am praying to Mary Matha to fulfil my wish. I will be here for the three days for the fulfilment of my wish," said Jakku Saroja, an agriculture labourer who came from Warangal, as she prepared food for herself and her family on the school grounds.

Many women like her were busy cooking food for their family members, while the men participated in the Holy Mass being conducted at the other corner of the grounds.

However, it was fun and frolic for the children who were seen visiting the several stalls around the shrine.

"It took more than an hour to go to the grotto and the Crucifix atop the hillock. The rush is increasing with each passing hour," said Dunna Ramu, a farmer from Malleswaram.

Holy mass

The day began with a holy mass performed by Bishop Mathew Cherian Kunnel of Telaprolu Diocese, which was followed by adoration by members of the regional service team. Correspondent of Bishop Grassi High School E.W. Jayaraj performed a Holy Mass in the afternoon.

Bishop of Eluru Diocese John Mulagada performed the evening Mass. Thousands of pilgrims thronged the arterial roads of Gunadala by evening.

`Yesu Krupa' play

Noted stage artiste Gummadi Jayaraj, along with his troupe, performed `Yesu Krupa' play on the school grounds, while Rector of the shrine M. Balaswamy and others rendered carols. Performances like Burrakathas and Kolatams formed part of the cultural programmes.

Director of the Social Service Centre P. Balaswamy supervised the arrangements at the shrine, grotto and on the school grounds.

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