Devotees throng Bhavani Ghat to witness celestial boat ride of Lord Malleswara Swamy and Kanaka Durga Devi

Vijayawada: Devotees in large numbers thronged the Bhavani Ghat at the Krishna riverbank upstream of Prakasam Barrage to witness the celestial boat ride of the celestial couple Lord Malleswara Swamy and goddess Kanaka Durga Devi as the two idols of the two presiding deities at the Indrakeeladri temple were taken out for a celestial boat ride in the Krishna River as part of the ongoing Chaitra Masa Kalyana Brahmotsavams-2026 being celebrated at the Durga temple in Vijayawada on Friday.The procession began at around 5 pm from the Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple, where the deities were taken in a traditional procession towards the sacred Krishna River. The event was conducted amidst Vedic chants and the sounds of auspicious musical instruments, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere.The procession passed through the Mahamandapam and reached the Durga Ghat, accompanied by vibrant cultural performances including Kuchipudi dances, Kolatam, traditional drum beats and devotional bhajans as devotees took part in the procession with great enthusiasm and devotion.At the riverbank, the deities were placed on a specially decorated floral float. Following special puja rituals, the celestial ride commenced in the Krishna River. As part of the tradition, the divine couple was taken on three ceremonial circumambulations in the river, symbolising the three worlds.Temple chairman Borra Radhakrishna (Gandhi), executive officer V K Seena Nayak, members of the temple trust board, head priest V Shiva Prasad Sharma, chief priest R Srinivasa Sharma and others were present.