Chamundeshwari Temple prepares for Ashadha Fridays, Vardhanthi

Mysuru: Deputy commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy on Wednesday directed the district administration officials to make all necessary preparations to ensure smooth celebrations of Chamundeshwari Vardhanthi Utsav and the celebrations during the four Fridays in the Hindu month of Ashadha at Sri Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills.

This year, Ashadha Fridays will be on June 27, July 4, July 11, and July 18, and Chamundeshwari Vardhanthi will be on July 17.

Speaking at the preliminary meeting about the celebrations held at his office, he also directed the officials to prevent the entry of all private vehicles this year too. He instructed them to arrange a free public transport facility from Lalitha Mahal helipad grounds and to prepare a parking lot for all private vehicles.

He also wanted the police to make all bandobast, security preparations, and manage traffic and crowds. Mysuru City Corporation must initiate measures to ensure adequate drinking water, besides maintaining cleanliness, health, and hygiene during the festival celebrations, he said.

The DC also directed CESC to make all illumination arrangements for all the temples, temple streets atop the hills, and the 1,000-step climbing stretch to the hills.

Entry is free for all devotees during Ashadha Fridays and Chamundeshwari Vardhanthi Utsav celebrations, on all Saturdays and Sundays. However, Rs 300 per ticket is fixed for devotees opting for special darshan, and Rs 50 per ticket is also available for special entry, he said.

City police commissioner Seema Latkar, MCC commissioner Syed Asif Tanveer, DCP N Mutturaju, and Srikshetra Chamundeshwari Development Authority executive officer Roopa were present at the meeting.