Moderate rush on the second day of Dasara festivities atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada

Devotee turnout was moderate on the second day of the Dasara Sarannavaratri festivities atop Indrakeeladri, the abode of Goddess Kanaka Durga, in Vijayawada on Monday (October 12, 2026). The presiding deity was adorned as Sri Gayatri Devi.

The rush remained thin until 10 a.m., then gradually increased, with 63,370 devotees having darshan by 1 p.m., according to temple officials.

The temple administration deployed advanced technology, strengthened medical services, and intensified crowd-management measures to ensure safe and convenient darshan for the devotees visiting the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam.

AI-enabled cameras, digital displays, automatic number plate recognition systems, and integrated monitoring dashboards were among the arrangements made to regulate crowds, monitor waiting times, and manage traffic and parking. QR code–enabled wristbands are being issued for children for their safety, and GPS bus tracking and digital staff identification systems will support operations.

Meanwhile, NTR district medical and health department teams have set up medical camps to provide immediate assistance to devotees. Officials have been instructed to maintain adequate supplies of oral rehydration solution, distribute buttermilk, and ensure uninterrupted drinking water, particularly for those waiting in queues, children and elderly pilgrims.

State Endowments Commissioner K. Ramachandra Mohan inspected medical camps, queue arrangements, the laddu preparation unit and the new annaprasadam building on Monday. Accompanied by Dasara Festival Officer V. Trinath Rao, the Commssioner directed officials to ensure adequate laddu stocks, prompt distribution, food quality and cleanliness. He also stressed coordination between police and temple staff to minimise inconvenience to ordinary devotees.

The Commissioner said all departments were working in coordination to provide safe, comfortable darshan, and that arrangements were being strengthened for the President’s visit.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his family are scheduled to offer silk robes to the deity on Moola Nakshatram day.

Visakhapatnam MP Sri Bharat also visited the temple and offered prayers to the deity. He appreciated the administration’s arrangements.