FITTING FINALE: An impressive rally being taken out in Tirupati on Sunday by the VHP activists at the end of the Dakshina Bharatha Dharma Sansad.

TIRUPATI: The arterial roads of the temple city wore a festive look and a `saffron fever' gripped the localities when the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) took out a colourful rally on Sunday as part of its `Dharma Sansad'.

Active members of the VHP and volunteers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from across South India took part in the impressive procession chanting slogans like `Jai Shri Ram' and `Harahara Mahadev'.

A van with the portrait of `Bharat Mata' led the huge gathering of members carrying small flags in hand. Motley groups of `swayamsevaks' were seen holding discussions at all corners of the venue of the public meeting that followed. Though there was a great difference in their ethnic dressing, all the members had a saffron apron draped over their shoulder that pointed to their affiliation to the VHP.

There were a number of sadhus too, clad in saffron dhoties, who raised vociferous slogans all through the procession.

Stalls put up

Several religious organisations set up stalls at the venue, where scores of spiritual books on topics like path to liberation, tips for a healthy life, RSS movement, moral values etc. were on sale. Also, there were a couple of stalls that sold Ayurvedic products, herbal soaps, hair oil, agarbathis etc., which made sizeable business during the two-day conclave.

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