1500 devotees participate in the annual Teppotsavam festival in Visakhapatnam

A processional idol of Lord Venkateswara carried in a palanquin during the annual Teppotsavam (Float Festival) in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. | Photo credit: V. RAJU

Sri Venkateswara Swamy’s annual Teppotsavam (Float Festival) was held in the harbor canal at the harbor area on Sunday evening (June 28, 2026) and attracted more than 1,500 devotees as part of the Kalyanotsavam celebrations at the Srungamani hill temple.

The processional idol of the deity, along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, was carried on a stretcher to the embankment and placed aboard a flower-decorated boat, which was taken through the harbor canal amid Vedic chants. Devotees followed them on tugboats arranged by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority.

Set against the backdrop of a working harbor with cargo vessels at anchor, the parade drew spectators to watch Port Authority ships docked nearby. Visakhapatnam South MLA Ch. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas attended the function which started at 5 pm

The Visakhapatnam Port Authority extended logistical support for the event, while the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) provided security along the waterfront, said S. Srinivasa Rao, executive director of the temple.

Kalyanotsavam started on June 24 with Vighneswara Puja, Punyahavachanam and installation of sacred fire. Kalyana Mahotsavam was performed on 25 June, followed by Garuda Vahanam procession on 26 June and Pandita Goshthi and Mahadasirvachanam on 27 June.

The celebrations will end on Monday (June 29) and Tuesday (June 30). Purnahuti and Choornotsavam will be performed on Monday morning, followed by Samudra Snanam and Dhwaja Avarohanam in the evening. The concluding rituals on Tuesday include Abhishekam and Pushpayagam followed by distribution of teertha prasadam.

Published – 28 Jun 2026 23:04 IST