Quick answer: Vinayaka Chavithi 2026 in Vijayawada is on Monday, 14 September 2026. The city celebrates with temple darshan at Indrakeeladri and public mandapams, and nimajjanam (immersion) at designated Krishna river points such as Punnami Ghat and Vijayawada Municipal Corporation artificial ponds.

In Vijayawada the festival is Vinayaka Chavithi. The city is known for its grand public mandapams and its Krishna river nimajjanam, alongside temple darshan at the famous Indrakeeladri hill.

  • Vinayaka Chavithi 2026Monday, 14 September 2026
  • Local nameVinayaka Chavithi
  • Flagship templeSri Durga Malleswara Swamy Devasthanam, Indrakeeladri
  • NimajjanamKrishna river designated points + VMC artificial ponds

Indrakeeladri and temple darshan

The Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam on Indrakeeladri, home to Goddess Kanaka Durga, is the city’s flagship temple, with Ganesha shrines and darshan arrangements during the festival. Confirm timings and crowd guidance with the temple.

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Where to see the biggest mandapams

Large public mandapams and towering idols are installed across Governorpet, Benz Circle, Patamata, Gandhi Nagar, Labbipet and One Town, drawing city-wide footfall. Utsav samitis announce their programmes close to the festival.

Nimajjanam in Vijayawada 2026

Immersion (nimajjanam) takes place at designated Krishna river points such as Punnami Ghat and the Bhavani Island area, and at Vijayawada Municipal Corporation artificial ponds, with crane arrangements and a procession route managed by the city police. Follow the designated points, route and timings announced for 2026, along with any traffic advisories.

Setting up a mandapam in Vijayawada

Setting up a public mandapam needs a stack of permissions: municipal permission for the temporary structure, a police NOC (and traffic-police route approval for a procession), a fire-services NOC for larger pandals, a temporary electricity connection from the DISCOM, and compliance with the state pollution-control board’s idol-material and immersion conditions. Fees, forms, portals and deadlines change year to year and can be modified by High Court orders close to the festival, so always confirm the current requirements on the issuing authority’s official website before applying — and never proceed without the required permissions.

Telugu Vinayaka Chavithi traditions

Telugu households offer undrallu (steamed rice dumplings) and kudumulu, and worship with the 21 patri — twenty-one varieties of leaves — while reciting the vratha katha, which includes the Syamantaka story and the moon-avoidance (Mithya Dosha) custom. The 21 patri are a major festival purchase; buy fresh leaves and eco-friendly clay idols ahead of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Vinayaka Chavithi 2026 in Vijayawada?

It is on Monday, 14 September 2026, with the tithi beginning 7:06 AM IST. Confirm the local muhurat with your purohit or temple.

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Where is nimajjanam done in Vijayawada?

At designated Krishna river points such as Punnami Ghat and the Bhavani Island area, and at Vijayawada Municipal Corporation artificial ponds. Follow the 2026 designated points and route.

Which is the main temple in Vijayawada?

The Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Devasthanam on Indrakeeladri, home to Goddess Kanaka Durga, with Ganesha shrines and festival darshan arrangements.

What are the 21 patri?

The 21 patri are twenty-one varieties of leaves offered to Lord Vinayaka during the puja, a distinctive and important part of the Telugu Vinayaka Chavithi tradition.

What is undrallu?

Undrallu are steamed rice-flour dumplings offered to Lord Vinayaka, a favourite naivedyam in Telugu households, alongside kudumulu.

What permissions are needed for a mandapam in Vijayawada?

Vijayawada Municipal Corporation permission, a city police NOC, a fire NOC for larger pandals, an APSPDCL temporary connection and pollution-board compliance. Confirm current requirements officially and never proceed without them.

Are PoP idols allowed in Vijayawada?

Pollution-control rules restrict Plaster of Paris and toxic paints in favour of natural clay. Choose eco-friendly clay idols and follow the current CPCB and AP Pollution Control Board conditions.

What is the moon-avoidance custom?

Tradition holds that seeing the moon on Vinayaka Chavithi brings Mithya Dosha; the vratha katha’s Syamantaka story provides the remedy. It is observed as traditional practice.