19
Jul
The Sakambari festival in Vijayvada
The Sakambari festival in Vijayvada
The Sakambari Festival celebrated in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, is a significant cultural and religious event dedicated to Goddess Sakambari, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. This festival is especially prominent at the Kanaka Durga Temple on the Indrakeeladri hill in Vijayawada.
- Goddess Sakambari: She is revered as the goddess of vegetation, abundance, and nourishment. The name “Sakambari” means “One who nourishes with vegetables.” The festival is a celebration of her power to provide food and sustenance to all living beings.
Celebrations and Rituals
- Duration: The Sakambari Festival is usually observed for three days, culminating on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Ashadha month (June-July).
- Decoration: During the festival, the idol of Goddess Kanaka Durga is adorned with a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. The decoration of the goddess with these items is a central aspect of the festival.
- Special Pujas: Special rituals and pujas are conducted in honor of the goddess. Devotees offer vegetables, fruits, and other produce to the deity, seeking blessings for good health, prosperity, and a bountiful harvest.
- Cultural Programs: The festival often includes cultural programs such as traditional music and dance performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Significance
- Agricultural Prosperity: The festival highlights the importance of agriculture and the dependence of human life on nature’s bounty. It is a time to thank the goddess for her blessings and pray for a good harvest.
- Spiritual Beliefs: Devotees believe that worshiping Goddess Sakambari during this festival helps in alleviating suffering and ensures the well-being of the community. It is also seen as a time to seek the goddess’s protection from natural calamities and diseases.
Kanaka Durga Temple
- Location: The Kanaka Durga Temple is situated on the Indrakeeladri hill overlooking the Krishna River in Vijayawada.
- Pilgrimage: It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Andhra Pradesh, attracting thousands of devotees, especially during festivals like Sakambari and Dasara.
The Sakambari Festival in Vijayawada is a vibrant and spiritually significant event that showcases the rich cultural and religious traditions of Andhra Pradesh. It emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, celebrating the goddess who provides sustenance and nourishment.