Wed Feb 26 23:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Visakhapatnam Celebrates Maha Shivaratri with Record-Breaking Religious Fervour

**Visakhapatnam, February 27, 2025** – Visakhapatnam witnessed an outpouring of religious devotion on Wednesday, February 26th, as thousands of devotees celebrated Maha Shivaratri. Temples across the city, including those in MVP Colony, Nakkavanipalem, Seethammapeta, and the Old Town, overflowed with worshippers chanting hymns and performing abhishekam (ritual cleansing). Long queues snaked through the streets as devotees sought darshan (divine vision).

A highlight of the celebrations was the 40th annual Maha Kumbhabhishekam at RK Beach, organized by the T. Subbarami Reddy Seva Peetham. This year’s event featured a massive Shiva Lingam constructed from 1.08 crore (10.8 million) smaller lingams. Holy water from the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj was used in the abhishekam, and devotees received rudraksha beads and sacred threads. The ceremony included kalyanam (marriage ritual) and homam (fire sacrifice) later in the day. Former Union Minister T. Subbarami Reddy oversaw the event.

The celebrations extended beyond religious rituals. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operated special buses to facilitate access to temples. District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad inspected arrangements to manage the large crowds. Cultural programs, including a Bharatanatyam recital by the Delhi-based Ganesa Natyala dance group, and the presence of popular comedian Brahmanandam, added to the festive atmosphere. Food stalls and children’s play areas were set up on RK Beach to cater to the massive turnout. The sheer number of devotees caused traffic congestion in some areas.

The event showcased the deep religious faith of the people of Visakhapatnam and successfully managed the logistics of a large-scale religious festival.

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