The ten-day Dasara Sarannavaratri celebrations at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam on Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada ended on Vijayadashami with the traditional Teppotsavam on the Krishna river.
The processional deities of Goddess Kanaka Durga and Lord Malleswara Swamy were taken on a ceremonial ride on the brightly lit Hamsa Vahanam, the swan float, on the river.
Back after two years
This year's Teppotsavam was held after a gap of two years, which made the evening special for devotees.
A different form each day
Through the festival, the Goddess appeared each day in a different alankaram. On Mahanavami she appeared as Sri Mahishasuramardini Devi. It was on this very hill that Goddess Durga slew the demon Mahishasura. On Vijayadashami she appeared as Sri Rajarajeswari Devi, marking the close of the celebrations.
The temple administration, police, municipal teams and medical staff worked together to keep the festival safe and smooth for pilgrims.
