Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Vijayawada Temple Expands Dasara Crowd and Security Arrangements
Vijayawada’s Durga temple is preparing for its 10-day Dasara festival from October 11 to 20.
Officials expect about 25 lakh visitors during the celebrations, with more Bhavani devotees coming afterward.
They are using cameras and identity checks to help keep the hill safe.
Large waiting areas will hold people and let them move to the queues in groups.
Buses and other vehicles will help visitors travel, and free transport will be available for people with disabilities.
Drinking water, toilets, showers and refreshments will be provided.
The temple is also preparing facilities for people who want to bathe in the Krishna River.
More than 60 lakh laddus are planned for devotees.
The 10-day Dasara Sarannavaratri festivities at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam run from October 11 to 20, with about 25 lakh devotees expected.
Authorities have introduced facial recognition, QR-code identity checks, boom barriers and CCTV monitoring as part of the security plan.
Three holding areas can accommodate up to 18,000 devotees, who will be released in batches according to crowd conditions.
Queue routes, an emergency alternative route, continuous shuttle transport, drinking water, toilets, showers and food are being provided.
Temple officials are arranging Krishna River bathing facilities and plan to make more than 60 lakh laddus available.
- Who
- Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam and government departments are coordinating arrangements for devotees.
- What
- Authorities are preparing security, crowd management, transport and visitor facilities for the Dasara festivities.
- When
- The festivities run from October 11 to 20; Bhavani devotees are expected for two to three days afterward.
- Where
- At Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada, and nearby queue, holding and transport facilities.
- Why
- To support devotees and manage the expected crowds, with common devotees’ convenience and safety given priority.
Visitor Access
Crowd and Security Controls
Convenience versus controlled entry
Visitor Access
The arrangements include shuttle transport, free transport for people with disabilities, refreshments, water and facilities for a convenient visit.
Crowd and Security Controls
Identity checks, boom barriers, CCTV monitoring and batch releases are intended to regulate access and manage safety.
- Festival dates
- October 11 to 20
- Festival duration
- 10 days
- Expected devotees
- Around 25 lakh during the festivities
- Holding-area capacity
- Up to 18,000 devotees across three major areas
- Main queue route
- About 1,650 metres; capacity of around 8,500 devotees
- Sanitation and bathing facilities
- 370 toilets and 600 showers
- Planned laddus
- More than 60 lakh
- Security technology
- Facial recognition, QR-code identity checks and CCTV monitoring
