The annual festival ‘Bhagavan Sri Venkaiah Swamy Aradhana Mahotsavamulu’, marking the anniversary of spiritual guru (Avadhuta) Venkaiah Swamy’s Maha Samadhi, commenced at his Samadhi Mandir in Golagamudi Ashram on the outskirts of Nellore on Tuesday (August 18, 2026). The officials said that around three lakh devotees are expected to visit the temple during the week-long celebrations.

Belonging to the spiritual lineage of Lord Dattatreya, Venkaiah Swamy had lead a simple life and served the poor people. He had attained Maha Samadhi on August 24, 1982. The commemorative celebrations are being organised under the supervision of the Ashram Committee appointed by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh.

Venkaiah Swamy Ashramam-cum-temple Executive Officer (EO) Bala Subrahmanyam, a retired IAS officer and previously served as Joint Executive Officer (JEO) at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), said that 275 rooms and four dormitories were made available to cater to the accommodation needs of lakhs of devotees, who come from all over the world.

‘Anna Prasadam’ will be served to all devotees at scheduled times, drinking water facilities and other arrangements have been made at the Ashram for the convenience of the devotees. During the Aradhana Mahotsavamulu, the Vahana Seva (procession) will commence daily at 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., he informed.

The EO further said that Bhajan and Kolatam performances during the procession have been organised by the TTD. Cultural programmes are being conducted by Nellore-based ‘Kaladeepti’ at 7.30 pm till August 22 and mythological plays are being performed by State-level artists on 23 and 24 at 9 p.m..

Silk robes will be offered to Venkaiah Swamy by Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy and his family on August 24 at 9 a.m.. The Chariot Procession (Rathotsavam) will be held at 10 a.m. and the Float Festival (Teppa Mahotsavam) will take place at 8 p.m. on the same day.

Published – August 18, 2026 07:44 pm IST