Rottela Panduga Begins in Nellore
The annual five-day Rottela Panduga at the renowned Bara Shaheed Dargah in Nellore commenced on Thursday, drawing thousands of devotees from across India and abroad. The festival, celebrated as a symbol of communal harmony beyond caste and creed, centres around the Swarnala Cheruvu, where devotees exchange “wishing rotis” with the belief that their prayers and wishes will be fulfilled.
The festival will continue until June 30, featuring rituals including the Sandhal procession, Gandha Mahotsavam, Rottela Panduga ceremonies, Tahlil Fatiha, and concluding prayers. Acting on the directions of Municipal Administration Minister P. Narayana, District Collector Himanshu Shukla supervised extensive arrangements for the smooth conduct of the event.
Nearly 6,000 sanitation workers have been deployed in three shifts, while drinking water kiosks, mobile toilets, bathing facilities, and rest areas have been established for devotees. Security has been strengthened with 1,600 police personnel, CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, and a dedicated control room.
Authorities have also installed special transformers to ensure uninterrupted power supply and deployed trained swimmers, rescue boats, fire safety teams, ambulances, and medical camps to handle emergencies. With elaborate civic and security arrangements in place, the festival once again reflects Nellore's enduring tradition of faith, devotion, and religious harmony.
