India, Nov. 11 -- The abode of Goddess Kanaka Durga on Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada came alive on Wednesday with Gajula Alankaram, the annual decoration of the presiding deity with coloured glass bangles, performed on Kartika Shuddha Dwitiya, the day observed as Bhagini Hasta Bhojanam.

Accounts differed on the scale of the effort. One report said more than eight lakh bangles had been used this year, while another put the figure at upwards of six lakh. Both agreed the number was sharply higher than last year, when the temple used a little over four lakh bangles; one account put the 2025 figure at 4.35 lakh. Temple Executive Officer V.K. Seena Naik said the count had been doubled this year so that the main deity and the temple premises coul...