WARANGAL: The vehicular traffic came to a standstill with the police diverting it to ensure smooth passage of `Bathukammas' as the thousands of women carrying them proceeded towards the historic Padmakshi temple in Hanamkonda town.

Hundreds and thousands of women and children, attired in their best, surged towards the Padmaskhi temple for the grand finale of the nine-day Bathukamma festival. They carried flowers arranged in conical shape on huge plates of different sizes and shapes. The environs of the Padmakshi temple reverberated with the folk numbers rendered by the women playing Bathukamma.

The entire Hanamkonda town was spruced up and beautifully lit on the occasion. It wore a festive look. As it a festival exclusively observed by women, men were barred from entering the precincts of Padmakshi temple as a measure to prevent chain snatching and other untoward incidents. The police made elaborate security arrangements for smooth conduct of the celebrations.

Police, municipal and revenue officials made special arrangements. District Collector K. Damayanthi, Mayor Errabelli Swarna and other top officials visited temple and oversaw the celebrations.

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