Goddess Kanaka Durga adorned with vegetables, fruits as Sakambari Utsavams begin in Vijayawada

Priests perform rituals before Goddess Kanaka Durga during the annual Shakambari Utsavam atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada on Monday. The deity was adorned as Sri Shakambari Devi with an elaborate arrangement of fresh vegetables, fruits, leafy greens, and flowers. | Photo Credit: G.N. RAO The Sakambari Utsavams began with religious fervour at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada on Monday (July 27, 2026). The temple hill wore a verdant look as it was decorated to reflect the Goddess’s harita (green) form, symbolising nature’s abundance.The festival is a special occasion for transforming the presiding deity goddess Kanaka Durga into Sakambari Devi with fruit, vegetables, green leaves and flowers.The Devadthanam has been organising the festival sin