Lakhs of devotees participating in the annual Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina on the occasion of Guru Purnima received refreshments, first aid and other support from several voluntary organisations and community groups along the 32-km pilgrimage route on Tuesday.

Among them CREDAI Visakhapatnam, as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, distributed more than 10,000 packets of buttermilk and fruits to pilgrims. Volunteers were stationed at various points to provide refreshments and free first aid to devotees undertaking the arduous walk. Office-bearers said the initiative reflected the association’s commitment to community welfare.

The Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Visakhapatnam district, organised round-the-clock service activities from July 28 to the morning of July 29 at several locations along the route. Volunteers served breakfast, pulihora, boiled chickpeas, biscuits, buttermilk and tea, besides distributing pain-relief balm. The organisation also continued its long-standing practice of massaging the feet of tired pilgrims using specially prepared herbal sesame oil to provide relief during the pilgrimage.

Tamil Kalai Mandram, Seethammadhara, also organised a seva programme for Giri Pradakshina devotees. Volunteers from the organisation distributed prasadam, drinking water and energy drinks to thousands of pilgrims along the route. The office-bearers thanked donors, volunteers and members of the Tamil community in Visakhapatnam for supporting the initiative and said the Mandram would continue to undertake similar humanitarian and community service activities.

Meanwhile, the Mudusarlova Walkers Association organised prasadam distribution for devotees. Former Mayor Golagani Hari Venkata Kumari Srinivas participated in the programme and highlighted the significance of the annual Giri Pradakshina, which attracts lakhs of devotees from across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring regions.