Andhra Pradesh   

Devotional fervour marks `Metlothsavam'

Special Correspondent

BHAKTI TRIP: Devotees, mostly women, set to start their trek up the Tirumala footpath on Monday as part of the `Metlothsavam' organised by the TTD's Dasa Sahithya Project.

TIRUPATI: Thousands of "Dasa' devotees attired in their traditional robes participated in the `Metlothsavam' organised by the TTD's Dasa Sahithya Project on Monday. The devotees, including a large number of women, who converged at the crack of dawn at `Alipiri'-- the foot of the hill, performed bhajans and danced in ecstasy to the loud beats of a range of percussion instruments.

They later set out on a holy trek up the footpath after the procession was flagged off by TTD Executive Officer A.P.V. Narayana Sarma at the end of an hour-long pooja performed under the supervision of the Dasa Sahitha Project chief Ananda Theerthacharya.

Even as they climbed the flight of steps to the abode of Lord Venkateswara, the devotees smeared vermillion and kumkum to the steps while some broke coconuts and lit camphor as a mark of devotion. After they reached Tirumala, the bhajan troupes went round the four mada strees around the shrine before they were let in for a darshan of the Lord.

TTD PRO K. Rampulla Reddy was among the senior TTD officials who coordinated the fete.

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