40th Maha Kumbha Abhishekam to be celebrated on Visakhapatnam beach road

The trust in the name of Dr T Subbarami Reddy, former Union minister, is hosting the event on Wednesday. He announced details of the event here on Tuesday, stating “For four decades, we have been blessed to bring this sacred celebration to the people of Visakhapatnam, and this year will be especially meaningful.”

He said this year’s ceremony will feature a unique element, the abhishekam performed using water brought directly from the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

The event will begin at 9.30 am. Devotees will gather to perform abhishekam for 1.8 crore (18 million) Shivalingas along the seashore. The day’s events will continue with Swami’s wedding ceremony at 3 pm, followed by a Homam (fire ritual) at 4:30 pm.

In the evening, renowned comedian Brahmanandam and distinguished Avadhani Madugula Nagaphani Sharma will make special appearances, blending entertainment with the spiritual proceedings.

At 6 pm, the programme will feature a multimedia artistic representation of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, combining elements of dance, drama, poetry, kirtan and music.

The performance will also include a visual poetic depiction of the destruction of Daksha Yajna, a significant episode in Hindu mythology. Some 45 artists will participate in this elaborate production, directed and composed by acclaimed artist Gummadi Gopalakrishna.