Massive Turnout For Ashadha Saare At Kanaka Durga Temple
According to temple authorities, by 3 p.m., as many as 57,419 devotees had visited the temple.
Vijayawada:Thousands of devotees from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana thronged the Kanaka Durga Temple atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada on Sunday to offer Ashadha Saare to the presiding deity. According to temple authorities, by 3 p.m., as many as 57,419 devotees had visited the temple.
In view of the massive turnout, Executive Officer (EO) V.K. Seena Naik cancelled all darshan tickets priced at ₹500, ₹300, and ₹100, and allowed free darshan for all pilgrims, facilitating a smooth and delay-free experience.
The Saare Samarpana ritual, initiated in 2017 by then EO and IAS officer Adapala Suryakumari, has grown significantly in popularity. This year, under the Vishwavasu Nama Samvatsaram, the ritual began on June 26, and within just 18 days, over 4.15 lakh devotees have made offerings — with 98% being women.
Devotees, mainly women clad in traditional attire, carried turmeric, vermilion, bangles, and sarees as symbolic offerings to the Goddess, treating her like a revered family member. The event also coincided with Bonalu celebrations in Telangana, further increasing footfall from the neighbouring state.
EO Seena Naik personally supervised the arrangements, including tents near Chinna and Pedda Rajagopurams to provide shade from the scorching heat. Free drinking water, biscuit packets, and prasadam were distributed, while the temple staff ensured clean toilets, sanitation, and transportation facilities.
Real-time crowd control was handled through a network of CCTV cameras, with temple staff receiving live instructions via wireless communication systems, ensuring smooth operations and safety for the devotees.
