Security tightened for President Murmu’s visit to Kanaka Durga temple amid Dasara festivities

The Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam has stepped up security arrangements for President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to the Sri Kanaka Durga temple atop Indrakeeladri on Wednesday (October 14, 2026). The third day of the Dasara Sarannavaratri festivities witnessed religious rituals, a traditional chariot procession, and cultural programmes on Tuesday (October 13).

Temple authorities announced that vehicular movement to the hilltop would be completely stopped from 1 p.m. on Wednesday in view of the President’s visit. Protocol darshan would not be permitted from the afternoon, and the 7.45 p.m. slot had been cancelled. However, morning protocol darshan timings had been extended from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., against the earlier schedule of 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Devasthanam authorities appealed to dignitaries, officials, public representatives, and devotees to cooperate with the security arrangements. They said measures had been taken to minimise inconvenience to ordinary devotees.

Meanwhile, priests adorned Goddess Kanaka Durga as Annapurna Devi on the third day of the festivities. The traditional evening chariot procession of Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy began after special rituals and prayers at the Malleshwara Swamy temple. Mr. Radhakrishna and Mr. Sheena Naik formally launched the procession by breaking a coconut.

The decorated chariot passed through Kanaka Durga Nagar and Rathnam Centre before proceeding towards the Vinayaka temple in One Town and returning to the hill shrine via Canal Road and the ghat road. Saxophone performances, Kerala percussion ensembles, women’s kolatam, and Garaga folk dances enlivened the procession as devotees offered camphor harathis and coconuts.

Cultural programmes featuring devotional music, bhajans, Harikatha, and classical dance recitals were held at Kalavedika in Kanaka Durga Nagar.

District NSS Coordinator and District Tourism Officer Dr. Kolleti Ramesh said 750 NSS volunteers and 60 Red Cross volunteers were working in three shifts, assisting with queue management, annadanam, medical services, prasadam distribution and support for vulnerable devotees. District Collector G. Lakshmisha appreciated their services.