Balkampet Yellamma Kalyanotsavam begins amid heavy rush, devotees face long delays

Thousands of devotees attended the opening day of the Balkampet Yellamma Kalyanotsavam in Hyderabad. However, VIP movement, security arrangements, and inadequate crowd management caused long queues and delayed darshan. The annual celebrations will continue with the Rathotsavam on Wednesday.

Hyderabad: The annual Balkampet Yellamma Kalyanotsavam festival began amidst religious fervour on Tuesday as thousands of devotees thronged the historic 15th-century temple, though many were left frustrated due to bottlenecks and security arrangements that caused inordinate delays in having darshan.

The first day of the Kalyanotsavams was marred by severe inconvenience to devotees, who were caught in a crushing bottleneck at the entrance due to rigid metal barricading and choked approach roads.

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Also, the participation of VIPs, who were ensured preferred entry to the temple, added to the woes of devotees and restricted their free movement. As a result, the narrow approach lanes near the temple brimmed with devotees in the queues.

The severe rush raised serious concerns over crowd management and lack of proper planning for such a high-profile festival. The presence of several high-profile dignitaries, including CM A Revanth Reddy’s wife and daughter, Endowments Minister Konda Surekha, apart from Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, who presented ‘pattu vastralu’ to the Goddess on behalf of the State government, resulted in devotees waiting for long in queues.

Temple rituals began at 3 am with special abhishekams and traditional pujas. Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and former Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav said they prayed for widespread rainfall, abundant crop yields, and the overall well-being of farmers and citizens.

The Goddess Renukadevi deity at Yellamma temple is uniquely seated 10 feet below ground level inside a well, where devotees traditionally offer pasupu (turmeric), sarees, and bangles.

The celebrations will continue with the Rathotsavam (chariot festival) scheduled for Wednesday.