Temples of Goddess Mahalakshmi in Vizianagaram were vibrant with festivities on the third Thursday of the Margasiram month. At the Sri Kanakamahalakshmi temple, devotees gathered early to offer Ksheerabhisekham and join the kumkum puja. The temple trustee, V.K. Gayatri Sarma, said, "Devotees would get an opportunity to perform puja directly to the presiding deity, which is only done by priests in other temples." This historic temple, inside the Jagannath Swamy temple complex, was filled with spiritual energy from morning. Apart from Vizianagaram, the Ashtalakshmi temples here and in Srikakulam also experienced large crowds. At the Kammasigadam Mahalakshmi temple in Ranasthalam mandal of Srikakulam district, long lines of devotees waited eagerly for darshan. The special celebrations brought great joy and devotion to the region this festive season.