Dasara begins in Visakhapatnam with large turnout at temples

Dasara celebrations began across the city on Sunday, with devotees thronging temples while residential colonies organised rituals and cultural programmes on the first day of Navaratri.

Long queues formed from early morning at the Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple in Burujupeta and the Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Temple near the Old Post Office, where devotees waited for darshan. Women in traditional attire offered prayers, and devotees carried kalasas as part of customary rituals. Folk artistes presented mythological-themed jaathara performances at several locations.

In residential neighbourhoods, residents installed idols of Goddess Durga at designated venues and held prayers and cultural programmes. Several gated communities organised Bathukamma celebrations, while others conducted Kumari Puja, in which young girls are worshipped as manifestations of the divine feminine.

Bengali families gathered in large numbers at Waltair Kali Bari to continue their annual Navaratri tradition. The Sagara Durga Temple in the Port area also drew a considerable crowd, with boating facilities adding to its appeal during the festival.