Over 24 lakh take holy dip on first day

Hyderabad, July 15: Over 24 lakh devotees took the holy dip on the first day of Godavari Pushkaralu, in both the Telugu States. At least 15 lakh pilgrims took the holy bath in East and West Godavari districts alone in Andhra Pradesh State on Tuesday while about five lakh people took the holy dip in Karimnagar district in Telangana State. Rajahmundry city witnessed heavy influx of people, more than the officials' expectations. It was estimated that over 10 lakh pilgrims have visited Rajahmundry, against the officials expectation of not more than seven lakh. Devotees rush was more at Kotilingala Pushkar ghat and other important ghats. People formed queues since 3 pm on Tuesday. In Telangana State, about two lakh people took the holy bath at Kaleshwaram while about one and half lakh people in Bhadrachalam and about one and half lakh in Dharmapuri.