Vijayawada, July 21, 2013: The three-day annual ‘Sakambari' festival of goddess Kanakadurga on Indrakeeladri began on Saturday with the presiding deity being decorated as ‘Sakambari Devi' with fruit, vegetables, green leaves and flowers.

The devotees from several places in the State thronged the temple to offer many kinds of vegetables, including carrots, lady fingers, cauliflowers, cabbage and tomatoes. Many varieties of fruits and flowers were also used as ornaments to deck up the deity. A green canopy was spread on the pathway leading to the sanctum sanctorum from the ghat road, giving an entirely new appearance to the temple premises. Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the festival.

‘Sakambari Utsavam' is being celebrated from 2007 to propitiate the deity for good rains, bountiful harvest and copious yields of vegetables.

Source: The Hindu, DT. July 21, 2013.