Stage set for 'Teppotsavam'

Vijayawada, Oct 2: The stage was set for 'Teppotsavam' today on a decorated 'Hamsavahanam' (special boat built in the shape of the mythical Hamsa), taking the Utsav Murties (processional idols) of goddess Durga and lord Mallikarjuna Swamy for 'Nadi Viharam' in the river Krishna on the occasion of Vijayadashmi.

Arrangements for the celestial boat ride had been completed by the Kanaka Durga Devasthanam authorities.

The District Collector Navin Mittal, City Police Commissioner Umesh Sharaff and temple priests would be allowed on the boats. Many VIPs would also accompany the ''Hamsavahanam''.

Meanwhile, thousands of devotees thronged the Durga temple since midnight to worship the presiding deity, attired in the form of 'Raja Rajeswari Devi.

The nine-day Navarathri celeberations would conclude today.

The security had been tightened for the occasion.

UNI