Rottela Panduga Crowds Swell in Nellore During Second Day of Celebrations
The annual Rottela Panduga festival in Nellore saw a massive turnout on its second day, with hundreds of thousands gathering for traditional rituals. Authorities have deployed drones and allocated significant funding to ensure security and infrastructure support for the growing number of pilgrims.
Highlights
- •Crowds at the Nellore Rottela Panduga swelled on the second day, with even higher numbers expected for the main Sunday event.
- •The signature ritual of exchanging 'wish rotis' remains the primary attraction, with many seeking blessings for children, health, and employment.
- •The state government has invested Rs 25 crore total in infrastructure for the festival, including plans for a new prayer hall.
- •Enhanced security includes 24/7 drone surveillance and strict crowd management protocols overseen by senior police officials.
The annual Rottela Panduga festival in Nellore witnessed a massive surge in attendance on its second day, as countless pilgrims flocked to the historic Bara Shaheed Dargah and the adjacent Swarnala Cheruvu. This cultural event continues to gain significant momentum as followers prepare for the upcoming Gandha Mahotsavam, which marks a pivotal moment in the centuries-old celebration.
Central to the Rottela Panduga is the age-old tradition of exchanging \"wish rotis.\" At the Swarnala Cheruvu ghats, participants engage in this ritual to seek divine intervention for their personal lives. Those whose prayers have been answered return to offer rotis as a sign of gratitude, while newcomers accept them with the hope of experiencing similar blessings. Among the various offerings, the Santana Roti—specifically associated with the blessing of children—remains the most sought-after, followed closely by requests for success in housing, employment, health, and education.
Enhanced Infrastructure and Security Measures
To accommodate the rapidly increasing crowd, local authorities have implemented robust safety and logistical plans. Minister Ponguru Narayana oversaw the festival operations directly from the police command and control center. As part of the improved monitoring strategy, he inaugurated four advanced surveillance drones, which are currently being utilized for continuous aerial oversight. Furthermore, the Minister officially opened the Langar Khana, or community kitchen, and actively participated in serving food to the gathered devotees.
The administrative efforts surrounding Rottela Panduga have grown alongside its popularity. According to official estimates, the opening day saw an influx of approximately three lakh visitors, with Saturday’s numbers expected to reach between four and five lakh. Projections suggest that the main day of the festival on Sunday could draw as many as six to seven lakh pilgrims. To support this large-scale gathering, the state government has officially designated the event as a State festival and has committed significant resources toward development. This includes a sanctioned budget of Rs 20 crore for improved infrastructure, with an additional Rs 5 crore provided specifically for this year's edition. Plans are also underway for a new Rs 10-crore prayer hall, which is slated for completion by the next festival cycle.
To ensure the safety of all participants, Guntur Range Inspector General of Police Sarva Shrestha Tripathi conducted a comprehensive review of the security landscape. Security personnel have been instructed to facilitate efficient crowd and traffic management while remaining helpful and courteous to all visitors. These preparations are essential for the smooth conduct of the Gandha Mahotsavam, where traditional sandalwood paste will be applied to the 12 sacred tombs at the dargah.
