Tue Oct 15 10:24:44 UTC 2024: ## Grand Sirimanotsavam Commences in Vijayanagaram
**VIJAYANAGARAM, October 14** – The grand Sirimanotsavam of the revered Paidi Thalli Ammavari temple in Vijayanagaram is set to begin today, marking the culmination of the annual Tholeyal festival.
Thousands of devotees are expected to witness the procession, which begins at 3:30 PM today. The procession will feature the iconic Sirimanu, accompanied by the Jalari Vala (fisherman’s net), Anjali Ratham (offering chariot), and Pala Dhara Rathams (milk chariot). Officials anticipate the procession to conclude by 6 PM.
State Minister Kondapalli Srinivas will offer silk robes to the deity this morning on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh government.
Yesterday, the Tholeyal festival concluded with the ceremonial dressing of the deity and a special abhishekam with water from various rivers. The festival saw prominent participation from the Pusapaati family, including former Union Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju, his wife Sunila Gajapathi Raju, and daughter, Vijayanagaram MLA Aditi Gajapathi Raju, who offered silk robes to the deity. The family of Vijaynagam MP, K. Appala Naidu, also participated in the festivities.
Following the abhishekam, the priest, Bantu Palli Venkat Rao, who will be riding the Sirimanu, performed special pujas to the deity and distributed seeds to farmers from the surrounding areas. Farmers waited patiently through the night to receive the seeds, with the distribution process concluding at midnight.
First Piper 