Kurnool begins grand Durga idol immersion events

Durga Navaratri festivities in Kurnool entered their final phase as the immersion of idols officially got underway.

The Ceremony

Industries and Commerce Minister T.G. Bharath Gupta kicked off the idol immersion process at the Durga Ghat situated near Sankalbagh along the Tungabhadra river. The Minister lit a ceremonial lamp and took part in the ritual burning of a Ravana effigy known as Ravana Vadha before priests performed a grand Ganga Aarti. Former Rajya Sabha member T.G. Venkatesh joined the Minister for the launch event, which marked the start of the final send-off for the city's festival idols.

Growth of the Festival

Leaders noted that the local celebrations have expanded massively over the past twenty-five years since starting as the first such Navaratri observance in South India. Organisers initially placed only five to ten figures across the area, but this year's count surpassed two hundred and fifty installed idols. Groups including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Geeta Prachara Sangham, and TGV Kalakshetram helped coordinate the large-scale arrangements for the public.

Context

Durga Navaratri celebrations involve ten days of strict traditional worship before the final day when followers carry the sacred figures to local water bodies for ritual immersion. Kurnool now holds a major position in these regional observances, standing as one of the most prominent festival locations in the state right behind Vijayawada.