Mahashivrathri was on Wednesday celebrated with religious fervour and traditional gaiety here with thousands of devotees taking a holy dip in the Godavari river.
Large number of devotees from various parts of the district thronged to the famous 'Siva' temple and offered prayers. Serpentine queues are seen at the Samaralkota, Draksharama, Pithapuram and Palokole areas in East Godavari district to perform special poojas, Abishekams and other rituals to Lord Siva on the occasion.
Markendeya swamy temple situated on banks of Godavari here was flooded with devotees since early hours.
The temple authorities made special arrangements to meet the extra rush of the devotes on the occasion. Several devotional, cultural and other programmes have been organised on the occasion
State-run RTC is running special buses to various Shiva temples situated in the district besides West godavari and Krishna districts.