The Sampadak Express News Desk
Authorities in Vijayawada have put in place elaborate arrangements for the Teppotsavam (float festival), the concluding ceremony of the nine-day Dasara Navaratri celebrations of the Kanaka Durga temple atop Indrakeeldari, to be held on the Krishna River on October 20, according to The Hindu.
This year’s float festival is drawing heightened anticipation as it did not take place for the past two years due to flooding in the Krishna.
Endowments, police, irrigation and other departments are coordinating preparations for the ceremonial boat ride of Goddess Kanaka Durga and Lord Malleswara Swamy. The Hamsa Vahanam, a swan-shaped boat carrying the deities, has been decorated for the occasion, and officials conducted a trial run on Sunday.
Police personnel have been deployed along the river ghats as a precaution, while the Irrigation Department has positioned expert swimmers at bathing ghats. The Hamsa Vahanam and the Durga and Punnami ghats have been illuminated for the festival.
The NTR Commissionerate Police will lead a procession of the deities along Brahmana Veedhi. As part of the rituals, Shami Puja and Paruveta are to be performed in Jammidoddi.
