Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – The revered Kanaka Durga Temple atop Indrakeeladri was resplendent on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, as it hosted the annual ‘Gajula Alankaram,’ a ritualistic adornment of the presiding deity with an immense collection of glass bangles. This year’s festivities saw an unprecedented use of over eight lakh colourful glass bangles, significantly surpassing previous years and creating a dazzling spectacle for devotees. The event coincided with the auspicious occasion of ‘Kartika Shuddha Vidiya,’ also observed as ‘Bhagini Hasta Bhojanam,’ a day celebrating the bond between siblings.
Elaborate Temple Decoration with Bangles
The Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam premises were transformed by the intricate decoration using more than eight lakh glass bangles. The presiding deity, Goddess Kanaka Durga, as well as various sections of the temple, were meticulously adorned, creating an atmosphere of divine grandeur. This elaborate decoration is a central element of the ‘Gajula Alankaram’ tradition, which has been a significant ritual at the temple for years.
Growing Scale of the Annual Ritual
Information available with The Chenab Times indicates a consistent and significant increase in the scale of the ‘Gajula Alankaram’ over the years. While last year’s celebrations reportedly used over six lakh bangles, the figure for 2026 has more than doubled the quantity used in 2025, which was over four lakh glass bangles. This escalating use of bangles reflects the growing participation and devotion of devotees and donors who voluntarily contribute these items for the occasion. Temple authorities also made arrangements to procure additional bangles to meet the requirements of the extensive decoration.
Religious and Cultural Significance
The ‘Gajula Alankaram’ tradition, which began in 2016, is deeply rooted in religious and cultural beliefs. Bangles are considered symbols of prosperity and well-being for women, and their offering to the Goddess is seen as a prayer for grace, protection, and good fortune. The timing of the festival, coinciding with ‘Bhagini Hasta Bhojanam,’ adds another layer of cultural significance, highlighting familial bonds and auspicious observances according to Hindu traditions. According to mythology, this day is linked to Yama Dwitiya and the story of Yama and his sister Yamuna, signifying the importance of sibling relationships.
Devotee Participation and Temple Arrangements
Temple authorities anticipate a large influx of devotees participating in the ‘Gajula Alankaram’ and the associated ‘Bhagini Hasta Bhojanam’ celebrations. To manage the expected crowds, special arrangements were made for queue regulation, ensuring adequate drinking water supply, and facilitating the distribution of ‘prasadam.’ The tradition also includes distributing the bangles used in the decoration to women devotees as ‘prasadam’ after the rituals conclude, further engaging the community in the sacred observance.
The Chenab Times News Desk
