Make Indrakeeladri Sharannavaratri celebrations a grand success: Chandrababu

National Saras Mela in Vijayawada from October 13 should set an example for the country: Chief Minister

Vijayawada Utsav 2.0 should be blend of celebration, tradition and cultural activities: Chandrababu

Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials and public representatives to ensure grand success of the Sharannavaratri festivities at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada. He called for coordination among the Endowments Department, Tourism Department and district administration to ensure the smooth conduct of the celebrations.With a large number of devotees expected from other states, along with Union Ministers and prominent personalities, the Chief Minister stressed the need for comprehensive arrangements.
The Chief Minister directed that ordinary devotees do not face any inconvenience due to the arrival of VIPs.Dasara should not become a VIP festival and everyone must cooperate in this regard. He urged all concerned to support decisions taken by senior officials to ensure the smooth conduct of the festivities.The Chief Minister also instructed officials to keep the public informed about decisions concerning darshan arrangements and facilities. If traffic restrictions are imposed due to VIP visits, officials should implement suitable strategies to minimise inconvenience to the public and motorists.
Reviewing the preparations for Vijayawada Utsav 2.0, the Chief Minister directed the Tourism Department to showcase the State’s culture and traditions duringthe utsav. Special programmes should be designed to encourage people to participate enthusiastically in the Dasara celebrations.He observed that the arrival of devotees, tourists and visitors from different parts of the country would boost economic activity in the region and called for arrangements to be made accordingly.The review also covered the visit of President Droupadi Murmu to the Durga temple and the National Saras Mela.The National Saras Mela–2026 will be held at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada from October 13 to 31, showcasing products made by women members of Self-Help Groups from across the country. Officials informed the Chief Minister that 576 stalls would be set up for women entrepreneurs arriving from different states, including 208 stalls representing Andhra Pradesh.The Chief Minister said the mela should provide a major platform for women from Andhra Pradesh Self-Help Groups and rural entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products at the national level under the ‘Swayam AP’ brand. He emphasised that the event should help women entrepreneurs expand their market reach and promote locally made products.