Kankadurga temple ready for Dasara festivities

Vijayawada, Sep 29 (UNI) More than ten lakh devotees are expected to throng the revered Sri Kankadurga Temple, atop the Indrakeeladri Hill, during the nine-day Dasara festivities.

Temple sources told UNI here this morning, over two lakh devotees were expected on October 6, the 'Moolanakshatram Day,' when Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister J Rathnakar Rao would present silk robes to the Goddess.

All arrangements were being made for the smooth conduct of the festival. Barricades had already been erected to regulate the crowds and expert divers kept ready at bathing ghats to tackle any emergency, the sources added.

The 'Teppotsavam' (boat festival) would be held on October 9. As many as 200 vedic pandits would be felicitated on October 7 after a 'vedic sabha.' Vehicular movement would be restricted and 'prasad' counters opened at vantage points for the benefit of the devotees. Cultural programmes would be organised round-the-clock during the nine-day festival.

Tight security arrangements were being made in view of terror threats. A large posse of police would be guarding the temple.

Security cameras would be installed in vital points in the devasthanam premises, the sources added.

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