High-ranking officials, including Ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, MLCs, and key alliance figures from the undivided Krishna district, convened at Vijayawada’s Fortune Murali Hotel on Tuesday. Their mission: to meticulously plan the highly anticipated ‘Vijayawada Utsav,’ a cultural festival designed to rival the grandeur and prestige of the renowned ‘Mysuru Dasara Utsav.’
Presiding over this crucial gathering, District In-Charge and Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav shared exciting news: the 11-day festival is set to breathe new life into struggling art forms while firmly establishing Vijayawada as a prominent cultural and tourism destination. Minister Yadav emphasized, ‘Much like the Mysuru Dasara captures national imagination, the Vijayawada Utsav will proudly display our city’s rich heritage, drawing attention from across the country.’
I&PR Minister Parthasarathy underscored the festival’s significance, stating it would be a vibrant tribute to Vijayawada’s growing global stature and its profound devotion to Goddess Kanaka Durga. He also noted Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s steadfast commitment to elevating Andhra Pradesh to a top-tier state and transforming Amaravati into a truly world-class capital city.
Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivnath (Chinni) passionately proclaimed Vijayawada as the cultural heart of Andhra Pradesh, assuring a truly magnificent event. He declared, ‘The splendor of Bezawada will resonate far and wide,’ highlighting the millions of devotees who annually flock to Indrakeeladri. MP Sivnath detailed plans for captivating cultural shows and exhibitions at venues like Punnami Ghat, Tummalapalli Kalakshetram, and Sangeeta Kalasala, with accessible entry tickets set at just ₹30. A special focus will be placed on local artists, who will be given prominent stages to perform for two hours each day.
Vijayawada (East) MLA Gadde Ramamohan reminded attendees of Chief Minister Naidu’s significant development projects at the Kanaka Durga temple in 2014, affirming that this festival would continue that legacy. Adding practical insights, Jaggaiahpet MLA Sriram Tataiah recommended implementing a dedicated traffic-control app to manage the expected surge in tourists and also suggested featuring Amaravati’s impressive under-construction iconic structures as part of the celebration.
The central exhibition is slated to take place at Gollapudi, utilizing land provided by the Endowments Department. A substantial ₹45 lakh has been allocated for its 56-day duration, with an additional ₹15 lakh specifically set aside to encourage farmer participation. Furthermore, organizers are extending an invitation to the Vice-President of India to grace the festivities.