Ministers Anam Ramanarayana Reddy (Endowments), V. Anitha (Home), BC Janardhan Reddy (R&B) and Collector Rajakumari Ganiya along with other officials review the arrangements for Mahashivratri celebrations at Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam on Monday. | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
Endowment Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy on Monday (February 2, 2026) asked officials to make sure arrangements for the upcoming Mahashivratri celebrations at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam.
Mr. Ramanarayana Reddy held a meeting to review arrangements for the Mahashivratri celebrations to be held from February 8 to 18, 2026. Ministers V. Anitha (Home) and BC Janardhan Reddy (Roads and Buildings), Endowment Fund Commissioner Ramachandra Mohan, Former Chief Secretary District Office Hari Jawaharlalium, SuperintenRadardental Police, Police Suneel Sheoran, Chairman Temple Board Srisailam Pothugunta Ramesh Naidu and Managing Director M. Srinivasa Rao attended the meeting.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, the Endowment Minister asked the officials to prioritize smooth provision of darshan and accommodation to devotees, security and hygiene in the temple town, among others.
He said the government prioritizes darshan for common devotees during the festivities and directed officials to analyze the mistakes of previous years to ensure preparedness for any problems that may arise. He directed the officials to allocate specific time slots for VIP and VVIP darshans and strictly adhere to giving darshan only within those slots.
Mr. Ramanarayana Reddy suggested the officials to allow free passage through the toll gates on February 14 and 15 to avoid traffic jams and for the convenience of devotees.
Mr. Janardhan Reddy instructed the officials to start and complete the repair, widening and safety works on the road leading from Atmakuru to Dornala by February 8. As vehicular movement is expected to increase during the festival season, he directed officials to prepare plans to ensure smooth traffic on the road leading to the temple. He stressed the need for inter-departmental coordination so that the festivities are conducted in a peaceful and reliable manner.
Ms. Anitha asked the police officials to remain alert and ensure incident-free celebrations. She asked officials to focus on traffic management, emergency services and security in the temple town. She suggested that the district collector should allocate specific places for holding annadanam by voluntary organizations.
Collector Rajakumari Ganiya said all steps are being taken to ensure smooth darshan for devotees. EO Srinivasa Rao gave a power-point presentation on the arrangements.
Published – 02 Feb 2026 19:37 IST