On Friday, January 23, nearly 25,000 students visited the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam temple atop Indrakeeladri to seek blessings from Goddess Kanaka Durga for success in their studies and exams. Students arrived early, some as early as 4 a.m., with their parents and teachers to mark Sri Panchami, a day traditionally linked to the start of learning. The goddess was dressed as Goddess Saraswati, the symbol of wisdom and knowledge. Priests conducted special rituals including Saraswati Mantra Havanam, Saraswati Homam, Sahasra Kumkum, and Pushparchana to create a festive atmosphere. Temple Trust Board Chairman Borra Radhakrishna (Gandhi), Executive Officer V.K. Seena Naik, Chief Priest Durga Prasad, and Sthanacharya Shiva Prasad Sharma offered pens and flowers to the deity. The decorated Maha Mandapam on the sixth floor became a focal point where pens and prasadam were distributed to the students. Several trustees and special guests took part in the celebrations. Additionally, Aksharabhyasam ceremonies, marking the first formal writing lesson for children, were held at the Indrakeeladri temple and the nearby Sri Trisakthi Peetam Maha Kali temple near Pandit Nehru Bus Stand. Children sat on their elders’ laps to write alphabets for the first time, adding special significance to the day.