Visakhapatnam: Nagula Chavithi celebrated with fervour

Visakhapatnam: Carrying sachets of milk, fresh flowers, incense sticks, camphor and sweetmeats, many headed to temples and snake pits to offer prayers to serpent Gods here on Wednesday.

Nagula Chavithi, which falls on the fourth day after Diwali, was observed with fervour across Visakhapatnam.

People thronged snake pits and Lord Nagendra temples to offer milk and other edible items to the serpent God. The snake pits in several neighbourhoods were heaped with milk, eggs and flowers. Many women observed fasting on the day. It is believed that praying serpent God aids in getting rid of illness and hence the festival gains larger significance amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

However, in several temples, including Sri Renuka Yellamma Ammavari temple, Shri Shiridi Sai Baba Spiritual Centre, Rajarajeswari Ammavari temple, people were seen without masks and hardly maintaining social distance while offering prayers. For many, masks have become a mere 'accessory' as they were often pulled down to their neck or chin.

In some localities, crackers were also burst on the occasion.