4 L devotees visit Durga temple for Bhavani Deekshas

Vijayawada: The relinquishment of Bhavani Deeskhas concluded on Sunday on the hilltop Kanaka Durga temple. The programme was held for five days and devotees chanting Jai Bhavani Jai Jai Bhavani concluded Deekshas.The festivities ended after the priests performed ‘Purnahuti’ at Yagasala amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns.

As part of the rituals, Durga temple trust board chairman Karnati Rambabu and executive engineer K.S. Rama Rao performed ‘Purnahuti’ in the presence of the temple’s vedic committee members. A moderate rush of devotees was registered on the last day of the festival. While the temple authorities estimate the footfall at around 5 lakh, only around 4 lakh devotees visited the temple during the Deeksha Viramana as per the statement issued by the temple. The temple authorities organised the Bhavani Deeksha Viramana with the coordination of all departments including municipal, police, health, electrical, water sources, revenue and others.

Last year, around 5.50 lakh Bhavanis and other devotees visited the temple during the corresponding period.

Rama Rao said that the rush was regulated by providing darshan from 2 am onwards this year. During the five days, 17 lakh laddu prasadams were sold out. He thanked NTR district collector Dr S. Dilli Rao, police commissioner Kanthi Rana Tata and Vijayawada municipal commissioner Swapnikal Dinakar Pundkar. Also, he appreciated the services provided by the Indian Red Cross Society and the temple staff.

After that, Rambabu and Rama Rao felicitated the police officers and other government department officials. Vijayawada west zone ACP Dr K. Hanumantha Rao, One-Town inspector Suresh Reddy and others participated.