Collector announces slot-based darshan for Chandanotsavam

The District Collector, M.N. Harendhira Prasad, has called for well-organized arrangements for the annual Chandanotsavam festival at Simhachalam, set for April 30. He emphasized that devotees should have a scheduled darshan, or viewing, of the deity to avoid any inconvenience. During a review meeting, Prasad instructed officials from the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam temple to provide clear guidelines for the event. The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and beyond. Special arrangements will be made for guests who bring offerings, such as silk robes, as well as judges and significant donors. They will have access to the temple’s inner sanctum, called ‘Antaralayam,’ for a limited time between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. The Collector noted that further discussions will determine access for VIPs arriving after that hour. To enhance the experience for attendees, he advised that darshan will close at 6 p.m. on April 29. Furthermore, the Collector announced that various ticket counters will be set up in the city to facilitate the buying of special darshan tickets, priced at ₹1,500, ₹1,000, and ₹300. These tickets will feature a hologram and watermark for security. In preparation for the crowds, the Collector urged police to limit personal vehicles on the hilltop and to ensure enough buses are available to transport devotees. A permanent police outpost is also being considered for the hill to enhance safety during the festival. Multiple officials participated in the review to ensure effective planning for the event.