Tue Jul 08 16:27:37 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Sakambari Utsavams, a unique festival venerating Goddess Sri Kanaka Durga in her form as Sakambari Devi (granter of food and vegetation), commenced in Vijayawada at the Kanaka Durga temple on Indrakeeladri. The temple is richly decorated with vegetables, donated by farmers and patrons from surrounding districts. The festival, which began in 2007, features the distribution of Kadambam, a special vegetable-based prasadam. Thousands of devotees are attending the celebration, which will conclude on July 10. Temple authorities are ensuring smooth arrangements and have urged devotees to participate with devotion.

**News Article:**

**Kanaka Durga Temple Ablaze with Green as Sakambari Festival Begins in Vijayawada**

VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA PRADESH – The Kanaka Durga temple atop Indrakeeladri Hill in Vijayawada is awash in vibrant greenery as the annual Sakambari Utsavams commenced on Tuesday. The festival, dedicated to Goddess Sri Kanaka Durga in her form as Sakambari Devi, the deity of nourishment and vegetation, has drawn thousands of devotees from across India.

The temple’s main sanctum, Mahamandapam, and sub-shrines are lavishly decorated with a staggering 50 tonnes of vegetables, voluntarily donated by farmers and patrons from Godavari, Krishna, and Guntur districts. The ‘utsava murti’ (processional idol) is also draped in traditional green attire.

The Sakambari Utsavams, which originated on Indrakeeladri in 2007 after temple priests studied similar festivals in Warangal, features the distribution of “Kadambam,” a special prasadam made of vegetables, rice, and red gram. Executive Officer V.K. Seenanayak assured devotees that the Kadambam will be distributed free of charge from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the festival.

“For the residents of Vijayawada, Kadambam prasadam has become synonymous with the Sakambari festivities,” a temple spokesperson said. “Its wholesome preparation and devotional significance make it an eagerly awaited tradition.”

The festival concludes on July 10, with temple authorities urging devotees to participate with devotion and discipline. Smooth arrangements have been made to accommodate the large influx of visitors. The temple expects a substantial turnout throughout the duration of the Sakambari Utsavams.

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