Dussehra Navaratri is known as Devi Navaratrulu / Sharad Navaratrulu by the people of Andhra Pradesh. The nine days (actually nights) of Dussehra festival are celebrated in a grand way in Ammavaru temples across the state particularly in Vijayawada Kanakadurga temple.

Kanaka Durgamma temple is located on a small hill named Indrakeeladri which is in the old town area. The Peepal tree in 1 Town Police Station and the surrounding area is considered as Durgamma's parent's house. A day prior to Dussehra celebrations in the temple, the area surrounding the peepal tree in the 1 Town Police Station is beautifully decorated. The idol of Durgamma which is under the peepal tree is carried to Kanaka Durgamma temple by the Police officials. The 1 town police officials then offer turmeric powder (pasupu), vermilion (kumkuma), silk sari (pattu cheera) and other items to Kanaka Durgamma.
Devi Navaratri Utsavalu begin after Durgamma is draped with the sari offered by Her parent's house i.e the police officials. This has become customary since long. Police officials take active part in Devi Navaratri celebrations. According to legends, during the rule of Kondaveeti Reddy Kings, Durgamma appeared in the dream of a soldier named Mangayya and directed him to dig Her out. As per Ammavari directions, the idol of Durgamma was dug out and placed under the peepal tree. From then onwards, it has become customary for the police officials to take active part in the Devi Navaratri Utsavalu.
This year (2020) the Utsavalu at Kanaka Durgamma temple begin on Aswayuja Suddha Padyami i.e on October 17 (Saturday) and ends on Aswayuja Suddha Dasami i.e on October 25th (Sunday) i.e on Vijaya Dasami day.
On each of the 9 days, Durgamma is dressed in different forms known as 'Alankaram' and worshiped in different names. Sharad Navaratri Utsavalu start with the Kalasha Sthapana Pooja.
The festive celebrations end with 'Teppotsavam' when the 'utsava vigraham' is taken on a beautifully decorated / illuminated boat ride in River Krishna.

Devi Navaratri Utsavalu begin after Durgamma is draped with the sari offered by Her parent's house i.e the police officials. This has become customary since long. Police officials take active part in Devi Navaratri celebrations. According to legends, during the rule of Kondaveeti Reddy Kings, Durgamma appeared in the dream of a soldier named Mangayya and directed him to dig Her out. As per Ammavari directions, the idol of Durgamma was dug out and placed under the peepal tree. From then onwards, it has become customary for the police officials to take active part in the Devi Navaratri Utsavalu.
This year (2020) the Utsavalu at Kanaka Durgamma temple begin on Aswayuja Suddha Padyami i.e on October 17 (Saturday) and ends on Aswayuja Suddha Dasami i.e on October 25th (Sunday) i.e on Vijaya Dasami day.
On each of the 9 days, Durgamma is dressed in different forms known as 'Alankaram' and worshiped in different names. Sharad Navaratri Utsavalu start with the Kalasha Sthapana Pooja.
Different Alankaras of Durgamma during Devi Navaratrulu
Oct 17th (Aswayuja Suddha Padyami) - Swarna Kavacha Alankruta Durga Devi
Oct 18th (Aswayuja Suddha Vidiya) - Bala Tripura Sundari Devi Alankaram
Oct 19th (Aswayuja Suddha Tadiya) - Gayatri Devi Alankaram
Oct 20th (Aswayuja Suddha Chaturthi) - Sri Annapoorna Devi Alankaram
Oct 21st (Aswayuja Suddha Panchami - Moola Nakshatram) - Sri Saraswati Devi Alankaram
Oct 22nd (Aswayuja Suddha Sashti) - Sri Lalitha Tripura Sundari Devi Alankaram
October 23rd (Aswayuja Suddha Saptami) - Sri Mahalakshmi Devi Alankaram
Saturday Oct 24th (Aswayuja Suddha Ashtami i.e. Durgashtami) - Sri Durga Devi Alankaram
Saturday Oct 24th (Aswayuja Suddha Navami i.e. Maharnavami) - Sri Mahishasura Mardhini Devi Alankaram
On Maharnavami day, Durgamma is dressed in red handloom sari as Mahishasura Mardhini. It is with this form that Goddess Durga beheaded the ferocious buffalo-headed demon named Mahishasura. This is a 'Simha Vahini' alankaram with a trident held in both the hands and other weapons in other arms. The day on which Mahishasura was killed by Durga Devi, is celebrated as Maharnavami.Sunday October 25th (Aswayuja Suddha Dasami i.e. Vijaya Dasami) - Sri Raja Rajeswari Devi Alankaram
The festive celebrations end with 'Teppotsavam' when the 'utsava vigraham' is taken on a beautifully decorated / illuminated boat ride in River Krishna.
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