Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jan 16: Preparations are on full swing as the Temple Town gears up to host the historic Paryaya celebrations and make it a grand success on January 18. Not only the district authorities but state ministers are also extending their support in preparing for the much-awaited celebrations. Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math will be ascending the Paryaya Peetha for the fifth time.
As the day draws near, pilgrims and tourists are pouring into the city in thousands to witness the grand event. Nearly 10,000 to 15,000 devotees and tourists are already in the city and have been part of Annaprasadam every day in the temple.
Udupi municipality council had made all arrangements to welcome the devotees for Paryaya celebrations. The CMC is painted white and blue and nearly 65 toilets (including mobile toilets) have been installed in and around city. Road dividers have been recently painted and the CMC has also taken up the responsibility of providing water supply round the clock.
Around 300 workers are engaged in cleaning operation and more than thousand people are working as volunteers for the programme.
Welcome arches have been installed at the entrance of the city to accord cordial welcome to tourists and devotees alike.
A huge Mantapa in North Indian style called ‘Rajangana Mantapa’ has been designed under the guidance of Prakash Shetty, Bengaluru. Known for his exquisite flair for excellence, Prakash has worked for several Kannada Sammelanas, film festivals and other corporate events. The width and length has been increased to 85-90 feet. As many as 20-25 artistes who have come from Mysuru, Bengaluru, Chennai are working day in and day out designing the Mantapa.
This year, considering the rise in the number of devotees and tourists and their convenience, a new darbar has been built at New Car Street, just behind the Yatri Nivas. The darbar is designed as an old traditional home under the guidance of Mohan Alva. Nearly 10,000-15,000 people can be accommodated at once in this darbar.
Several guest houses have been booked for the VIP guests coming from distant places and various states. Veteran BJP leader L K Advani and Karnataka home minister Dr Parameshwara are among the VIP guests expected to the grace the Paryaya. Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Suresh Prabhu, Uma Bharti, Anant Kumar, Smriti Irani, Sadananda Gowda, Sripad Nayak, Nirmala Seetaraman and G M Siddeshwar are also expected to participate.
Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, former Karnataka chief ministers B S Yeddyurappa, Veerappa Moily, Jagadish Shettar, H D Kumaraswamy and Dharam Singh, chairman of legislative council H D Shankaramurthy, leader of opposition in council Eshwarappa, Tamil Nadu minister Panneerselvam, high court judges Justice N Kumar and Justice P S Dinesh Kumar, ministers Abhaychandra Jain, Dinesh Gundu Rao and A Manju, Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes, MP Prahlad Joshi, and deputy chairman of state planning commission C M Ibrahim are some other names found in the list.
A storehouse has been set up at New Car Street in a ten-acre land. Heaps of various vegetables for the Hore Kanike have been collected from various organizations. Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project has taken up the responsibility for its maintenance.
Three platforms have been marked for a variety of cultural programmes which have been sponsored by private entrepreneurs.
The police department has marked 22 parking lots in and around the city and installed more than 60 CCTVs.
A 60-member Chende team has been invited from Kerala. Attractive fireworks, orchestras, dance shows and other programmes have been arranged.
Shopping malls, apartments and streets are decorated with colourful lights. The city looks beautiful, especially at night with all the glittering lights.
The security is being looked after by two SPs, five DySPs, 16 CPIs, 2 RPIs, 45 PSIs, 110 ASIs, 780 HC/PCs, 96 women police staff, 284 home guards, 6 KSRP divisions and 6 DAR divisions. Sale of liquor in Udupi has been banned from January 16 midnight till January 18 midnight.