Lakhs expected on the 32-km Giri Pradakshina route; numbers to swell after chariot procession
Thousands of devotees have begun the annual 32-km Giri Pradakshina pilgrimage around the Simhachalam hill in Visakhapatnam. Authorities have set up a command center to monitor the crowd and ensure safety during the event.
Why it matters
This is a major cultural and religious event in Andhra Pradesh, drawing large crowds that require significant logistical and security management.
Thousands of devotees began the annual Giri Pradakshina of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy of Simhachalam in the early hours of Tuesday (July 28, 2026), setting off on the 32-km circumambulation despite intermittent drizzle.
The pilgrimage began at the Tholi Pavancha, at the foot of the Simhachalam hill, where devotees offered prayers and broke coconuts before starting the trek. The pleasant weather, with light rain, added to the festive spirit, and many pilgrims described it as ideal for the long walk.
Devotees break coconuts at the Tholi Pavancha, at the foot of the Simhachalam hill, before setting out on the 32-km Giri Pradakshina in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. About 11,000 had started the walk by 10 a.m. Video: @krdeepu18 pic.twitter.com/upnfRkzEYQ
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