Devotees witness Teppotsavam in River Krishna

Vijayawada, Oct 2 (UNI) Lakhs of devotees witnessed the float festival in River Krishna this evening, with the decorated 'Hamsavahanam,' a boat in the shape of a swan, taking around the processional idols of Goddess Durga and Lord Mallikarjunaswamy.

Amid chanting of Vedic mantras by priests, the deities were brought down in a palanquin from Indrakeeladri hill to Durga ghat.

The 'utsava murthys' went around the river thrice with VIPs and officials accompanying the 'hamsavahanam' during the 'Teppotsavam' Thousands of Bhavani devotees ended their 40-day 'deeksha' by having darshan and offering 'irumudi' to the presiding deity.

After having a holy dip in the River Krishna at Durga ghat, lakhs of devotees had darshan of Goddess Kanakadurga, who was decorated as Raja Rajeswari, since the morning.

On behalf of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), officials presented 'pattu vastrams' (silk vestments) to the goddess, as Goddess Kanakadurga is deemed to be the sister of Lord Venkateswara.

Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda was among those who worshipped the goddess. Later speaking to mediapersons Mr Gowda said he would not comment on politics as he was on a pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, a Rajahmundry report said thousands of devotees thronged Devi Chowk to have darshan on the occasion of Vijayadasami.

People waited in queue for their turn for darshan. Special cultural programmes were arranged at Devi Chowk.

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