VIJAYAWADA: Kanaka Durga temple in the city is set for the month-long ‘Ashada Masam’ celebrations starting from June 30. The temple vedic committee has decided to celebrate the three-day long Shakambari fest from July 11.
The Telugu month of Ashadam is considered auspicious to worship goddess Kanaka Durga. Devotees offer ‘Ashada Saree’, which includes cooked Bonam (rice pot), silk saree, bangles and other decorations and ornaments, to the goddess.
A large number of devotees, mainly women, form groups and walk towards the temple in a procession to offer silk robes to the goddess. Around 4,400 devotees had offered the silk robes to the goddess last year. Temple authorities are expecting at least 40% rise in devotees this year.
On the other hand, Shakambari festival, which draws lakhs of devotees annually, is scheduled from June 11. The temple will be decorated with 12 tonnes of fresh fruits and vegetables during the three-day long festival. Temple authorities are expecting around 1 lakh devotees during the fest this season.
“Ashadam is a month meant to respect our own sisters. Devotees take Goddess Kanaka Durga as their own sister and daughter and offer silk robes and rice pot to her wishing prosperity. Telangana Bonala Utsava Samiti will offer Golden Bonam to the goddess. Goddess Kanaka Durga will be worshiped as Shakambari Devi. Devotees believe that worshipping Shakambari saves crops from natural calamities, mainly rains,” said Pandit Siva Prasada Sharma Sthana Acharya of the temple.
