Ugadi festivities at Kanaka Durga temple to commence on March 19

The temple authorities of  Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri announced elaborate arrangements for ‘Ugadi’, ‘Sri Rama Navami’ and ‘Vasantha Navaratri’ celebrations, along with new parking regulations to manage the heavy rush of devotees.

According to the temple officials, special rituals will be performed on the occasion of Ugadi on Thursday (March 19). The day will begin with ceremonial rituals to the presiding deity and other temple deities early in the morning, followed by decoration, offerings, and the opening of darshan for devotees at 8 a.m..

Special programmes, including the installation of sacred pots, flower offerings, traditional almanac reading, and ritual ceremonies, will be conducted throughout the day. A silver chariot procession will also be taken out in the evening through key streets around the temple.

Meanwhile, in view of heavy rush during weekends and festival days, new parking regulations have been introduced as per the directions of the State Home Department. As per the new guidelines, vehicles of top dignitaries such as judges and Ministers will be allowed up to the Donor Cell area, while MPs, MLAs, and other VIPs must park at the reception area. All other vehicles must be parked at the designated OM Turning point.

Special battery-operated vehicles will be provided free of cost from the OM Turning point for elderly persons, differently-abled, and other devotees requiring assistance.

Traffic on the ghat road will be restricted to a single line during peak days. Permanent temple priests and local media personnel will be allowed to park two-wheelers in a regulated manner, while all other staff and contractors must park their vehicles at the designated point. The implementation of these rules will be monitored by police and temple security personnel.

The Vasantha Navaratri celebrations will be held from March 19 to 28, during which special flower offerings and rituals will be conducted daily. The Sri Rama Navami will be observed with the celestial wedding ceremony of Lord Rama and Sita on March 27, followed by the concluding rituals and coronation ceremony on March 28.

Temple authorities stated that special paid services for flower offerings will be available for devotees at a cost of ₹2,500 per couple, which includes prasadam and special darshan.