By Subba Rao

Copyright thehindu

The 11-day Dasara utsavam commenced with grandeur atop Indrakeeladri, the abode of goddess Kanaka Durga, with heavy rush of devotees to witness the Goddess adorned as “Sri Bala Tripura Sundari Devi” on the first day of festivities on Monday (September 22, 2025).

The Kanaka Durga temple priests adorned the presiding deity and threw open the temple doors for the public. According to sources, more than 47,000 devotees likely visited the temple by Monday evening.

The temple authorities served free anna prasadam to 14,814 devotees, while sale of ₹500 tickets fetched ₹9 lakh and ₹100 tickets fetched ₹3.10 lakh. The temple generated ₹22.79 lakh through all services, sale of tickets, etc, according to the temple officials.

As part of the festivities, a newly constructed stone Yagashala and Puja Mandapam, donated by philanthropist Sanga Narasimha Rao, were inaugurated. From now on, rituals like Chandi Homam will be conducted at the Yagashala. Vijayawada (West) MLA Y. Satyanarayana (Sujana) Choudhary and others were present during the inauguration.

The temple officials reportedly could not stick to much hyped VIP darshan timings scheduled from 7–9 a.m. and 3–5 p.m. and uninterrupted VIP darshan continued as staff on duty could not prevent it beyond stipulated schedules. According to sources, the revenue, police and other Departments’ staff on duty atop Indrakeeladri were allegedly seen taking their friends and relatives through VIP queue lines.

Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu said that he prayed for the well-being of the people of Andhra Pradesh and wished for abundant rainfall, prosperity, and protection from evil forces for the State. He extended Dasara greetings to all citizens on the occasion.

Ministers Ramanarayana Reddy (Endowments) and Anitha (Home) highlighted the scale of arrangements, noting that nearly 20 lakh devotees are expected this year. Over 4,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure safety, with VIP darshans strictly managed to avoid inconvenience to common devotees.

NTR District Collector Dr Lakshmisha inspected queue lines, prasadam counters, annadanam arrangements, sanitation, drinking water, and medical facilities. A QR-code feedback system was introduced to promptly address devotees’ grievances, ensuring a smooth and spiritually uplifting darshan experience.

Eminent personalities including music director Mani Sharma, MLC Kavali Greeshma, MLA Kamineni Srinivas, and Police Commissioner S.V. Rajasekhara Babu and others visited the temple. Vedic scholars blessed the dignitaries, and prasadam was distributed by temple officials, including Endowments Commissioner K. Ramachandra Mohan and EO V.K. Seena Nayak.