Annual festival at Venkaiah Swamy Ashram begins in Nellore
Around three lakh devotees are expected to visit the temple during the week-long celebrations
The annual Bhagavan Sri Venkaiah Swamy Aradhana Mahotsavamulu festival, commemorating the anniversary of spiritual guru Venkaiah Swamy's Maha Samadhi, kicked off at his Samadhi Mandir in Golagamudi Ashram near Nellore on August 18, 2026. Authorities anticipate approximately three lakh devotees to attend the week-long festivities.
Venkaiah Swamy, a spiritual descendant of Lord Dattatreya, led a simple life and dedicated his efforts to serving the needy. He passed away on August 24, 1982. The Ashram Committee, appointed by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh, oversees the commemorative celebrations.
Bala Subrahmanyam, EO at Venkaiah Swamy Ashramam-cum-temple, revealed that 275 rooms and four dormitories were made available to accommodate the influx of devotees from across the globe. 'Anna Prasadam' will be provided to all attendees at designated times, along with drinking water and other comforts at the Ashram.
Each day will see the Vahana Seva, a procession, starting at 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., while Bhajan and Kolatam performances will accompany the procession, organized by TTD. Cultural events, including performances by Nellore's 'Kaladeepti' and mythological plays by State-level artists, are scheduled to run until August 22 from 7.30 pm onwards.
On August 24, Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy and his family will present silk robes to Venkaiah Swamy at 9 a.m. The Chariot Procession (Rathotsavam) and the Float Festival (Teppa Mahotsavam) are set to occur at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., respectively, on the same day.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
