The city of Vijayawada is lively with anticipation as preparations for the Dasara Sharan Navaratri celebrations 2024 reach their final stages at the iconic Durga Temple Indrakeeladri hill. This year, the NDA alliance government is leaving no stone unturned to make Ammavari Utsavam, the Dasara festival, an unforgettable experience for devotees.
Taking valuable lessons from last 5 year’s events, organizers have implemented a host of improvements to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit for all pilgrims. Devotees can look forward to better-managed queues, enhanced bathing facilities at the ghats, and more efficient parking arrangements. Special attention has been given to Durga and Padmavati Ghats, with measures in place to handle potential high water levels in Prakasam Barrage. For those making the journey from Hyderabad, a impressive 700 showers have been installed at Punnami Ghats, promising a comfortable start to their spiritual experience.
The temple authorities have meticulously planned the flow of visitors through the sacred site. After darshan, devotees will exit via the Shiva temple steps, where they can participate in food donation programs. In a move to improve convenience, prasadam counters have been relocated to Kanakadurganagar. Devotees will be able to purchase laddus, chakrapongali, and pulihora prasadam up to two days in advance of their visit.
A new system for Annaprasad distribution promises to be both efficient and reverent. Devotees can receive this blessed food in a special queue at the Mallikarjuna Mahamandapam, where it will be served buffet-style, blending tradition with modern efficiency.
Cultural performances, a highlight of the festivities, will now take place at the Kanakadurganagar entrance. This last-minute change ensures that the rich traditions associated with Dasara will be showcased in all their glory. With up to 300 performance slots available, visitors can look forward to a diverse and captivating cultural program throughout the celebration.
Infrastructure improvements have been a key focus in the lead-up to the festival. Five well-organized queue lines now guide devotees from Canal Road Vinayakadi Gudi, creating a smoother flow of pilgrims. Work on the ghat road’s protection wall is nearing completion, enhancing safety for all visitors. Convenient clock rooms for storing luggage and footwear are being set up, allowing devotees to move through the temple complex unencumbered.
Safety and comfort have been prioritized, with warning boards installed to alert visitors about potential pickpockets, and clear signage directing pilgrims to prasad counters and food donation areas. Drinking water tanks and mobile toilets have been strategically placed throughout the area, ensuring that devotees’ basic needs are met during their spiritual journey.
Minister Anam has personally overseen these extensive preparations, showing the seriousness and government’s commitment to making Dasara 2024 a truly memorable and hassle-free experience.
-Sanyogita
