Dussehra celebrations begin

Vijayawada, Sep 23 (UNI) The nine-day Dussehra celebrations at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamivarla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri, began today with 'Snapanabhishekam' to the presiding deity.

According to a Devasthanam official, the devotees were allowed to have darshan of Goddess Durga from 0800 hrs today, marking the beginning of Navaratri Festival The temple would be kept open for darshan from 0400 hrs to 2300 hrs till October two.

Special timings were given to VIPs-- between 0600 hrs to 0700 hrs in the morning and 1600 hrs to 1700 hrs in the evening.

The festival would conclude with 'Teppotsavam' on 'Hamsa Vahanam' in river Krishna on October two evening.

Over two lakh devotees who took 'Bhavani Deeksha' would relinquish it on October three and four at the temple, the official added.

UNI CS AD DS1225