Industries and Commerce Minister T.G. Bharath Gupta said the Goddess Durga Navaratri celebrations in Kurnool city will be held on a grand note and it would gain a unique identity throughout South India.Mr Bharath, accompanied by former Rajya Sabha member TG Venkatesh, inaugurated the immersion ceremony of the Durga Mata idols at the Durga Ghat on the banks of the Tungabhadra river near Sankalbagh in the city.The Minister lit the ceremonial lamp, followed by his participation in the ‘Ravana Vadha’ (the symbolic slaying of Ravana) event.

Later, ‘Ganga Aarti’ was performed and the immersion process commenced with the immersion of the first idol of the Goddess.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bharath said that while the Goddess Durga Mata celebrations began with just a single idol, they are now celebrated on a grand scale across the entire city with the installation of numerous idols.

He remarked that the active participation of devotees and the support of the public, the Goddess Durga Navaratri celebrations in Kurnool has grown more each year.He said that the immersion ceremonies were being organised on a grand scale under the auspices of the Geeta Prachara Sangham, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and TGV Kalakshetram. He further added that his organisation, the TGV Group, took pride in ensuring the celebrations were conducted with great splendour every year.Former Raya Sabha member Venkatesh said that the Durga immersion festival in Kurnool serves as a beautiful blend of culture and tradition.

He highlighted that Kurnool was the first city in South India to initiate the Goddess Durga Navaratri celebrations 25 years ago, a practice unseen elsewhere in the region at the time.He explained that the rituals were conducted with strict adherence to traditional customs over 10 days, culminating in the immersion ceremony. Starting with only five to 10 idols, the Goddess Durga celebrations have grown significantly over the years, with more than 250 idols now being installed across the city.He added that Kurnool has earned a reputation for hosting the most prominent Navaratri celebrations in the State, second only to Vijayawada.

Mr. Venkatesh prayed that the blessings of the Goddess would always remain with the people of the city.

Published - October 21, 2026 09:40 pm IST