Fri Sep 26 14:58:18 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

The article reports on the fifth day of the Dasara festival at the Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada, India. Thousands of devotees gathered for the Mahalakshmi alankaram, with the turnout reaching approximately 90,000. The Kanipakam temple presented silk sarees and robes to the goddess, continuing a biannual tradition. While temple officials claimed the large crowds were managed efficiently, former Endowments Minister Kottu Satyanarayana criticized the current government for neglecting the festival’s grandeur, alleging a decline in decorations and spiritual atmosphere compared to previous years. Governor Abdul Nazeer visited the temple, participating in rituals and receiving a briefing on the festival preparations.

## News Article:

**Devotees Throng Kanaka Durga Temple as Dasara Festivities Continue, Former Minister Decries Neglect**

VIJAYAWADA, September 26, 2025 – Thousands of devotees flocked to the Kanaka Durga temple atop Indrakeeladri hill today, the fifth day of the Dasara festival, to celebrate Goddess Kanaka Durga in her Mahalakshmi alankaram. Estimates put the crowd at around 90,000 by evening. The Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Devasthanam of Kanipakam upheld tradition by presenting silk sarees and robes to the goddess.

While temple officials reported smooth crowd management, the celebrations weren’t without controversy. Former Endowments Minister Kottu Satyanarayana voiced concerns over what he described as a decline in the festival’s grandeur compared to previous years. Satyanarayana, recalling his time in office, alleged a lack of elaborate decorations and festive vibrancy, accusing the current coalition government of prioritizing other events over the traditional Dasara celebrations. “There is a visible lack of divine aura and proper decoration at the sanctum,” he stated, urging authorities to restore the Navaratri arrangements.

Amidst the debate, Governor Abdul Nazeer paid a visit to the temple, where he was ceremonially welcomed. He participated in Vedic rituals, received prasadam and souvenirs, and was briefed on the festival arrangements by temple officials. NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha, Joint Collector S. Elakkiya, and Police Commissioner S.V. Rajashekhar Babu accompanied the Governor.

The Dasara festival at the Kanaka Durga temple is a major religious event attracting devotees from across the region. While organizers aim to provide a seamless experience, concerns raised by the former minister highlight a potential point of contention between tradition and perceived shifts in priorities.

Read More