Andhra Pradesh: Krishnaveni Nadi Navaharathulu to return after 7 years

Vijayawada: The Krishnaveni Nadi Navaharathulu, a river worship ritual that once drew devotees from across Andhra Pradesh, is set to be revived at the sacred sangam near Ibrahimpatnam next month after a gap of nearly seven years.The programme, involving nine forms of harathi offered to the river Krishna at the ferry ghat, was introduced in 2016 during the previous TDP-led government but came to a halt in 2019.Temple authorities said the revival is being taken up following directions from the state government as part of efforts to promote Sanatana Hindu traditions and strengthen temple tourism.Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam executive officer VK Seena Naik said elaborate arrangements were being made to restore the event to its former grandeur. Drawing comparisons with the Ganga harathi at Varanasi and the Godavari harathi at Rajamahendravaram, he said the aim was to establish a similar spiritual attraction on the Krishna riverfront.According to the EO, nearly 5,000 devotees are expected to attend the resumed programme, which had previously attracted large crowds from several districts across the state.To ensure the smooth conduct of the Navaharathulu, the temple administration is coordinating with multiple departments, including irrigation, tourism, Vijayawada Municipal Corporation and the district administration.Seena Naik has directed officials, executive engineers, the assistant commissioner, public relations officials and members of the Vedic committee to conduct joint field inspections and submit a comprehensive report on infrastructure and arrangements by June 2.Temple authorities said the revived programme would be conducted traditionally and grandly, with preparations aimed at attracting both devotees and tourists and reviving its earlier prominence.