Nine-day Dasara fete concludes smoothly

Vijayawada: The rush of devotees continued at Durga temple on Friday even as the nine-day Dasara festival concluded on Thursday. The temple administration successfully conducted the celestial boat ride of Sri Durga Mallikarjuna Swamivarlu in Krishna river on Thursday on the occasion of Vijayadasami to mark the end of festival. 

A huge number of devotees witnessed the celestial boat ride. The district officials also took part in the event.The temple and district administration jointly conducted procession with idols of Sri Durga and Malleswara Swamivarlu from the temple premises to the Durga Ghat. 

The festival idols of Goddess Durga and Malleswara Swamy were taken out on a ride in a decorated boat in River Krishna. About 2,500 devotees were allowed to visit the ghat to witness the boat ride. Colourful fire cracker display was organised as part of the event.  

Police Commissioner Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, Durga Temple Trust Board chairman Y Gouranga Babu, temple executive officer V Koteswaramma and board members were also present.

Besides, the devotees visited the temple in big numbers both on Thursday and Friday. Goddess Durga appeared in two Alankarams as Mahishashura Mardhini and Sri Rajarajeswari on the occasion of Vijayadasami.

The temple priests continued Sri Rajarajeswari Alankaram to the presiding deity on Indrakeeladri on Friday also. A huge number of Bhavanis visited the temple. The temple officials on Friday heaved a sigh of relief and were elated after conducting the Navaratri festival successfully.