Durga temple decked out for Dasara from tomorrow

Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam, situated atop the Indrakeeladri in the city, is all set to host the Dasara Sarannavaratri celebrations from October 3 to 12. The temple authorities, with the cooperation of 13 departments, have made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festivities.
The NTR district administration, in coordination with the endowments and police departments, is overseeing the preparations. The State government expects around 15 lakh devotees to visit the temple for the ‘Durga Devi darshan’. On the auspicious day of ‘Moola Nakshatram’, over 2 lakh devotees are anticipated.  Queue lines and ‘prasadam’ counters have been arranged. Two free queue lines and three paid queue lines, with ticket prices of Rs 100, Rs 300, and Rs 500, are available. VIPs will access the temple via Ghat Road, with entry near the Om turning point. The administration is focusing on bathing ghats, hygiene maintenance, drinking water supply, and power arrangements. Cultural programmes will also be held. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will offer silk robes to the Goddess on October 9, during ‘Moola Nakshatram’, between 3 pm and 4 pm on behalf of the state government.
Ministers review arrangements
Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Mines & Geology Minister Kollu Ravindra, and Vijayawada MP Kesineni Nani conducted a review meeting on Tuesday at the Model Guest House near Durga Ghat.  Vijayawada East MLA Gadde Rama Mohana Rao, Central MLA Bonda Uma Maheswara Rao, West MLA Yalamanchili Sujana Chowdary, NTR district collector Dr G. Srijana, Police Commissioner S.V. Rajasekhar Babu, and Temple EO K.S. Rama Rao attended the meeting, along with other department heads. After the meeting, they inspected the Krishnamma Harathi trial run at Durga Ghat.
Sources suggest the State government will announce a special festival committee for the Sarannavaratri festivities soon. The committee will work alongside temple authorities and government officials to oversee arrangements. Although the temple board has yet to be appointed, the local MLAs and MP have recommended 18 members for the Utsav Committee.