Over two lakh devotees gathered for the Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Brahma Rathotsavam in the Sri Sathya Sai district.
Priests performed special poojas before taking Lord Narasimha Swamy idols to the decorated chariot. Devotees pulled the chariot using 400-metre ropes through the mada streets.
Five injured when they fell under chariot wheels. One in critical condition with fractures. Police stopped the chariot for over one hour to rescue trapped devotees.
Traffic is diverted from Pulivendula, Anantapur, and Hindupur due to heavy crowds. Kadiri MLA Kandikunta Prasad oversaw arrangements.
BJP leader Vishnuvardhan Reddy was prevented from boarding the chariot. Placed under house arrest. MLA clarified that only designated persons guide the chariot.
Kadiri’s grand Narasimha Swamy Rathotsavam showcases devotion despite injuries, highlighting massive turnout for one of the country’s largest temple chariot festivals.
