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

Security measures have been substantially intensified for President Droupadi Murmu's visit to the Sri Kanaka Durga temple during the Dasara celebrations. The third day of the annual festival saw the implementation of stringent protocols as the temple authorities managed the arrival of India's highest office holder.

On Wednesday, October 14, vehicular traffic leading to the temple atop Indrakeeladri was halted from 1 p.m. onwards on the eve of President Murmu's arrival. No protocol darshan was permitted in the afternoon hours, with the 7.45 p.m. darshan slot being canceled. However, morning darshan was extended an hour later - from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. - as opposed to the initial plan of 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.

The temple administration urged all visitors, dignitaries, officials, public representatives, and devotees to cooperate with the heightened security measures. They emphasized that such steps were taken to minimize any inconvenience caused to the general public.

Priests dressed Goddess Kanaka Durga as Annapurna Devi to mark the third day of Dasara festivities. Following the conduction of special rituals and prayers at the Malleshwara Swamy temple, the traditional evening chariot procession commenced. The decorated chariot, led by Mr. Radhakrishna and Mr. Sheena Naik, began its journey after breaking a coconut.

It passed through Kanaka Durga Nagar, Rathnam Centre, the Vinayaka temple in One Town, and returned via Canal Road and the ghat road. The procession was filled with lively performances, including saxophone music, Kerala percussion ensembles, women's kolatam, and Garaga folk dances. Devotees offered camphor harathis and coconuts throughout the event.

The cultural programs held at Kalavedika in Kanaka Durga Nagar featured devotional music, bhajans, Harikatha, and classical dance recitals. District NSS Coordinator and District Tourism Officer Dr. Kolleti Ramesh announced that 750 NSS volunteers and 60 Red Cross volunteers were deployed in three shifts. They were assisting with queue management, feeding the hungry, rendering medical services, distributing prasadam, and supporting vulnerable devotees. District Collector G. Lakshmisha expressed gratitude for their invaluable service.