Vijayawada temple gears up for Dasara with 25 lakh devotees expected

More than 25 lakh devotees are expected to visit the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy temple atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada during the Dasara festivities, which will run from October 11 to 20.

At a high-level coordination meeting held at the temple on Monday, Minister of Medical and Health and NTR district in-charge Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav instructed officials to give top priority to the safety and convenience of pilgrims.

The Minister said an integrated plan had been drawn up covering the ghat roads, parking areas and darshan routes. Shelters, drinking water and seating will be arranged along the queue lines, while LED and digital screens will display estimated waiting times. New prasadam facilities and spacious annadanam halls will serve devotees, and around 60 lakh laddus are being prepared for distribution. An AI-based surveillance system will be deployed to support safety and coordination.

Asked why no budget had been released for the festival despite Dasara being declared a State festival more than a decade ago, the Minister did not respond directly.

Police Commissioner S.V. Rajasekhar Babu said AI-enabled cameras, CCTV surveillance and a dedicated control room would provide round-the-clock monitoring. Parking will be arranged at the city outskirts and major junctions, with free shuttle buses connecting these spots to the temple.

On contingency plans if the ghat road is closed because of falling boulders or a landslide, the Commissioner said devotees would be diverted through the Mallikarjuna Mahamandapam. When it was pointed out that the Mahamandapam lacks fire clearance, he said, "You tell us what to do? We cannot stop devotees from visiting the temple."

Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) said arrangements were being made to ensure satisfactory darshan. An eco-friendly, plastic-free system using 'bubbles' will supply drinking water, and special centres will provide hot milk and biscuits to mothers accompanying infants.

Endowments Commissioner K. Ramachandra Mohan said steps had been taken to prevent a repeat of the overcrowding seen during Moola Nakshatram in previous years, when many devotees returned without darshan.

Joint Collector G. Ilakkiya said medical camps, first-aid centres and ambulances would function round the clock. A GPS-based sanitation monitoring system, additional sanitation staff and digital kiosks will also be deployed.

Officials said the expected footfall includes devotees attending the Navaratri festivities and Bhavani devotees arriving to relinquish their deeksha after the festival. Nagarotsavam will be conducted daily from 4 p.m. through the city streets. Special rituals, including Khadgamala Archana, Kumkumarchana and Chandi Homam, will be performed during the festivities.