Courtesy: NewIndPress
Mangalore, Feb 13: Spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi, popularly known as the ‘hugging saint’, will be in the city to participate in ‘Amrutasangama 2006’ planned at Mangala Stadium Monday.
Mata Amritanandamayi Seva Samiti organising committee president Jeevraj Sorake told reporters that the Samiti had not estimated how many people would participate in the event but were sure of an overwhelming response.
Unlike on the previous occasion, all arrangements have been made meticulously. As a large number of people are expected to participate, the gates of the stadium will be open from 11 am.
The token system for devotees intending to go on stage to meet ‘Amma’ has been revamped. The tokens will have ‘time estimation’ and a large screen will display the token numbers, informing the token holder to join the queue, he said.
Sorake said three parking areas have been identified at the Urva Church premises near Lady Hill and a vacant space opposite TMA Pai Convention Centre on MG Road. The Urva market ground has also been earmarked for parking of vans and buses.
Special invitees can park their vehicles adjacent to Karavali fair grounds and enter the stadium through a direct approach.
Besides Anna Prasadam distribution facility in the venue, canteen facilities will be available at Canara High School grounds venue. There will also be a mini hospital, information centre and canteen.
The organisers have requested the police department to provide at least 500 policemen at the stadium and surrounding areas. About 800 volunteers and private security personnel will be co-ordinating with the police, he added.
Deve Gowda to be present: Amma who will arrive from Bangalore will be welcomed at Nelyady on Sunday evening and will be escorted to the city. Though the actual programme will commence from Monday at 6.30 pm, the venue will be open to public from 11 am itself.
The benediction address by Amma will be followed by cultural programmes and bhajans, which will continue throughout the night. Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, former Minister D T Jaya Kumar and others will be present on the occasion, Sorake said.
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