ANANTAPUR: Festivities during the Rathotsavam of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy at Kadiri in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday morning were marred by a minor stampede that injured at least three people including a constable-on-duty.
However, the situation was brought under control within minutes by the authorities. The injured were shifted to the government hospital where they were provided primary medications.
Every year, the Rathotsavam is conducted during the Narasimha Swamy Brahmotsavam at Kadiri and the chariot--known as 'Teru' locally--is tugged out by scores of devotees along the narrow streets of Kadiri town.
Reportedly, the mishap was caused by an estimated 4 lakh devotees flooding the streets of Kadiri, to take part in the Rathosatvam.
The Kadiri Narasimha Swamy Brahmotsavam, which started on March 7 with ‘Ankurarpanam' was followed by the celestial wedding of the deity on March 8. Brahmotsavam is scheduled to conclude on March 21.