Yathindra Siddaramaiah pregledao pripreme za Ashada petke u Chamundi Hills u Mysuruu

Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah inspected the preparations for Ashada Fridays at Chamundi Hills in Mysuru on Wednesday, July 15. The review was conducted ahead of the event’s commencement on July 17. During his visit, he met with officials and directed them to ensure that all necessary measures were in place to avoid any inconvenience for devotees visiting the site. Ashada Fridays, a weekly religious observance, typically draw large crowds to Chamundi Hills, a revered pilgrimage site located near Mysuru. This year, the administration has introduced new protocols aimed at managing the influx of visitors more efficiently. According to reports, the minister emphasized that the primary focus was on ensuring accessibility for ordinary devotees while maintaining order and safety throughout the event. One of the key changes involves the introduction of a ₹2,000 darshan ticket, replacing the previously issued ₹300 ticket. The minister explained that the longer queues associated with the lower-cost option meant that individuals purchasing the cheaper tickets did not receive any additional benefits. As a result, the higher-priced ticket was introduced on an experimental basis to streamline the process and enhance the overall experience for attendees. To manage traffic and prevent overcrowding, the minister outlined specific rules regarding vehicle access. Only official vehicles belonging to dignitaries such as legislators, ministers, and judges will be permitted to ascend the hill. Private vehicles used by regular devotees will not be allowed entry on Ashada Fridays or on the day of the Vardhanti festival. All visitors must park their cars at the Lalitha Mahal Palace Grounds and use the free KSRTC bus service to reach the hilltop. Additionally, the minister announced that vehicles carrying recommendation letters from influential individuals will not be granted special privileges. He reiterated that no special concessions or preferential treatment would be extended to those presenting such documents. These measures aim to promote fairness and transparency among all participants. For the comfort of pilgrims ascending the hill via the traditional staircase route, several amenities have been arranged. Drinking water stations, rest areas, and free distribution of badam milk and biscuits have been set up along the path. These provisions are intended to support devotees during their journey and ensure they remain well-fed and hydrated. The minister also addressed concerns related to VIP darshan schedules. He stated that VIPs will be allowed darshan exclusively between 5.30 a.m. and 9.30 a.m., with those arriving outside this window required to join the general queue. This arrangement ensures that both VIPs and ordinary devotees can participate in the rituals without disruption. Several senior officials accompanied the minister during the inspection, including Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Zilla Panchayat CEO S. Yukesh Kumar, Mysuru City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi, Deputy Commissioners of Police Harsha Priyamvada and Sundar Raj, and Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority Secretary Roopa. Their presence underscores the coordinated effort being made to oversee the event's smooth execution. These preparations reflect a broader initiative to balance tradition with modern administrative practices, aiming to preserve the spiritual significance of Ashada Fridays while addressing logistical challenges effectively. The upcoming days will see the implementation of these measures, marking a pivotal moment in how such religious festivals are managed in the region.