The small town of Puttaparthi is overflowing with the devotees of Sri Satya Sai Baba,
who passed away at 7:40am yesterday, seeking a glimpse of his mortal remains.
Collector Janardhan Reddy has stated that arrangements have been made to ensure that none of the devotees face any problems while in the town. He said that drinking water facilities have also been set up.
Since the hamlet has little parking space, the Puttaparthi police have been redirecting traffic away from the town. All vehicles are being stopped a kilometre outside the town, and the devotees are required to walk for about 2kms in order to view the mortal remains of Satya Sai Baba. However, the residents of the town are facing some problems as no vehicle is being permitted to enter the hamlet, and everyday necessities such as milk packets have not reached them as a result.
Devotees, luminaries to the average man, have been pouring into the town from all over the world since Baba's demise. The physical remains of Satya Sai Baba can be viewed by his followers only till 6 pm tomorrow.
Sachin Tendulkar, a staunch follower of Baba, reached Puttaparthi with his wife this morning. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to reach the town tomorrow afternoon.