#NewsRail: Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh: On Thursday, the Goddess Kanakdurga temple at Indrakeeladri hill in Vijaywada began a three-day 'Sakambari Utsavam' celebration. Only the devotees wearing masks are permitted inside the temple after being thermally scanned, in the light of COVID-19. On the first day, Vani Mohan, the Principal Secretary of the Endowments, D Bhramaramba, the Temple Executive Officer, and P Sominaidu, the Chairman of the Temple Trust Board, offered prayers to the Goddess. This celebration honors the Goddess's avatar, Sakambari Devi, who is decorated with vegetables and green leaves. It is observed for three days of the lunar month of 'Ashadham,' culminating on the full moon day.Other states have had to take stricter actions against tourists not following COVID-19 guidelines laid by the Government of India, Vijaywada making devotees follow the guidelines from day 1 for attending the festival is a good idea. However, unfortunately, even masks are not 100% safe therefore, we should take all precautionary measures such as maintaining a 6 ft gap, using sanitizers, avoiding direct contact with anyone, etc. to stay safe and help the country in the battle against COVID-19.