Visakhapatnam: The preparations for Chandanotsavam of Lord Varaha Lakshmi Nrusimha Swami began on Saturday with the making of sandalwood paste at the Simhachalam temple here. The festival will be held on April 29.Collector Pravin Kumar reviewed the status of the arrangements for the festival with the officials. He instructed excise officials to shut down the liquor shops from April 28 evening.Temple executive officer K Ramachandra Mohan said the arrangements would be completed by April 25. 20 mini bus services would be provided for Rs 1,000 ticket holders from the foothills to the the temple. For other devotees, APSRTC will be running 36 buses, he said. 65 mobile toilets would be provided, he said, adding that 150 temple staff and 800 voluntaries from 60 NGOs would work to ensure that the festival is conducted smoothly. 5000 scouts and guides will help the devotees. GVMC will send 200 sanitary staff, while the temple management will provide 250 sanitary staff, he said.

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