Brief
Vijayawada prepares for ten‑day Devi Navaratri festival at Indrakeeladri
The temple will host up to 20 lakh pilgrims with free darshan, extensive amenities and a presidential visit.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Vijayawada’s Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam on Indrakeeladri is set to host the annual Devi Navaratri festival from Oct 11 to Oct 20, according to newindianexpress.com.
What happened
The ten‑day celebration begins on Sunday, Oct 11, with traditional rituals and special alankarams, and ends on Vijayadasami, Oct 20, with a Hamsa Vahana Teppotsavam – a swan‑shaped boat procession on the Krishna River carrying Goddess Kanaka Durga and Lord Malleswara Swamy.
What the reports add
The temple executive officer VK Seena Naik said around 20 lakh pilgrims are expected, prompting extensive queue management, free darshan for ordinary devotees and a paid Rs 1,000 special darshan slot from 9 am to 5 pm. Tickets can be booked via the Mana Mitra WhatsApp service (9552300009) or the temple’s portal.
What was said
Seena Naik told TNIE that the temple will be open from 8 am to 11 pm on the opening day and from 4 am to 11 pm thereafter, with breaks for rituals. He added that more than 5,000 police personnel will work in three shifts, and that drinking water will be provided at 54 locations, 370 toilets and 600 shower facilities.
How it came about
Arrangements include a 1.65 km queue line near Lord Vinayaka Swamy temple, three holding areas with 70 compartments for 18,000 people, and an annadanam facility expected to serve over 15,000 meals daily. Free buses will transport Rs 1,000 ticket holders from Kummaripalem Centre to the hill, and special vehicles will be arranged for ritual sponsors. President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit on Oct 14, and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will offer silk robes to the deity on Oct 16.
Key facts
- The Navaratri festival runs from Oct 11 to Oct 20 at Indrakeeladri. (newindianexpress.com)
- Around 20 lakh pilgrims are expected. (newindianexpress.com)
- Free darshan is offered; a Rs 1,000 special darshan slot operates from 9 am to 5 pm. (newindianexpress.com)
- More than 5,000 police personnel will be deployed in three shifts. (newindianexpress.com)
- President Droupadi Murmu will visit on Oct 14. (newindianexpress.com)
Sources
- [1] newindianexpress.com — originally reported as “Vijayawada's Indrakeeladri all set for Devi Navaratri fete”
