Amaravati, February 05, 2026: Palnadu district officials are ramping up preparations for Maha Shivaratri celebrations at the iconic Kotappakonda temple, drawing lakhs of devotees to the hilltop shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The state government has allocated ₹30 lakh for the event, with key upgrades like 618 special buses (up from 550 last year), online-booked VIP darshan tickets from February 10–14 with strict time slots, and one free laddu prasadam per devotee to ensure smoother access and reduce queues.
Additional measures include better lighting for night processions, accommodations for overnight stays on the hill, helicopter rides, scenic viewpoints, and boating options for pilgrims and tourists.
District leaders emphasise the importance of readiness to prevent power issues and provide essential services like drinking water and toilets. The festival, set for February 15 around Maha Shivaratri, remains Andhra Pradesh's grandest spiritual gathering, blending ancient devotion with modern crowd management for a seamless experience.
