Thousands set out on the 32-km Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina; lakhs expected
Devotees set out on the 32-km Giri Pradakshina from the Tholi Pavancha, at the foot of the Simhachalam hill, in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak 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: @krdeepu18pic.twitter.com/upnfRkzEYQ — The Hindu – Andhra Pradesh (@THAndhra) July 28, 2026 Devotees of all age groups, including the elderly, women, children and the young, took part. A large number of …
