Simhachalam Chandanotsavam: Darshan from 3 a.m. on April 20

Ahead of the annual Chandanotsavam at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Simhachalam, authorities have announced that devotees will be allowed darshan from 3 a.m. on April 20, 2026.

Executive Officer J. Venkata Rao said a decision on Antaralayam darshan would be taken soon at a meeting to be chaired by the District Collector. He urged officials across departments to ensure close coordination, prioritise common devotees, and put in place comprehensive arrangements.

Reviewing preparations at Simhachalam on Saturday, Venkata Rao said QR code scanning systems would be introduced at entry points to facilitate faster access. Officials also discussed bus regulation in light of recent incidents. Police and RTC authorities were asked to coordinate, reduce the number of buses where feasible, and limit AC services. The EO directed that buses undergo fitness inspections and that managers be deployed at key points for supervision.

To handle crowds, five separate queue lines will be arranged, with emergency exits at 100-metre intervals. Adequate lighting will be provided along the uphill and downhill stretches. Mobile toilets, drinking water facilities, and other essential amenities will be set up. Separate queues will be earmarked for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Medical camps will be established at strategic locations, supported by a temporary hospital equipped with beds and ambulance services. Teams from the NDRF and SDRF will remain on standby. Electrical and fire safety norms will be strictly enforced.

Volunteers assisting devotees will be issued ID cards, the EO added. Officials from the medical, transport, police, electricity, revenue, GVMC, RTC, and other departments attended the review meeting.