Fri Mar 14 15:38:42 UTC 2025: ## Thousands Witness Grand Chariot Festival in Mangalagiri
**Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh (March 15, 2025):** The annual Brahmotsavams at the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Mangalagiri culminated in a spectacular chariot festival (“Divya Rathotsavam”) on Friday. Thousands of devotees thronged the streets, creating a sea of humanity as they chanted and pulled the chariot carrying the deities.
Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, and Andhra Pradesh HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, participated in the event. Minister Chandra Sekhar offered prayers before joining the procession. The event also featured traditional folk performances.
Leaders and members from various political parties, including the TDP, Jana Sena Party, and BJP, also attended the festivities. The temple authorities accorded a special welcome to Minister Lokesh. The vibrant ceremony, marked by devotional chants and religious rituals, concluded with a mesmerizing “harathi” performed by priests.
First Piper 