Bhavani devotees on their way to Kanaka Durga temple to relinquish their deeksha in Vijayawada on Friday.
| Photo Credit: K.V.S. GIRI
The eleven-day Dasara festival at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri, the abode of Goddess Kanaka Durga, concluded on Thursday with the Purnahuti rituals, drawing nearly 15 lakh devotees—10% more than last year’s 12.5 lakh.
Bhavani devotees taking shower bath at Durga ghat, near Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada on Friday.
| Photo Credit:
K.V.S. GIRI
In the evening, priests performed the Hamsa Vahanam sevas, placing the processional deities on the swan-shaped celestial boat ride. With the Krishna river in spate, the boat was anchored near Durga Ghat, and rituals were conducted there instead of the customary river ride.
Temple revenue during the celebrations from September 22 to October 2 stood at ₹4.38 crore. Of this, ₹3.60 crore came from the sale of 21.11 lakh laddus, while ticket sales, special rituals, and offerings accounted for the rest. Executive Officer V.K. Seena Nayak said round-the-clock annadanam and free water counters were arranged, with facilities for the elderly, differently-abled, and mothers with infants. He added that 29.7 lakh laddus were sold till Thursday evening, while six-laddu gift boxes priced at ₹100 saw overwhelming response.
On Friday, a day after Vijaya Dasami, massive crowds of Bhavani devotees thronged the temple, particularly from the North Andhra districts. Clad in crimson attire, devotees carrying the traditional irumudi—twin-socket bags filled with rice and offerings—walked barefoot to the shrine, chanting the Goddess’s name.
With the Krishna river still in spate, temple authorities restricted access as a safety measure. Special arrangements were made at the ghats for Bhavanis to perform ritual showers before proceeding uphill for darshan.
Published – October 03, 2025 08:06 pm IST
