Members of the UTSAB Cultural Association, Visakhapatnam, took out a procession, “Prabhat Pheri”, on Friday to welcome Goddess Durga.

Starting from the Kali Mata Temple at R.K. Beach, it passed the Pandurangapuram Temple and ended at AMCOSA Hall, Maharanipeta. Men, women and children sang bhajans to the rhythm of the dhak, kansor and shankho, the men in red kurtas and white pyjamas, most women in white sarees with red borders.

Dr. Alok Mazumdar of the association said, celebrations at the pandal will continue till October 20, when “Bisarjan” will be held. They include “Agomoni” songs on Shashthi, harvest dances on Saptami, and Sandhi Puja and a concert by Kolkata singers on Nabami. Bhog prasad, competitions and a food festival outside the pandal are planned.