Make Indrakeeladri Dasara festivities a grand success: CM Chandrababu Naidu

Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials and public representatives to ensure successful and smooth conduct of Sharannavaratri celebrations at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada.

During a review of the arrangements on Sunday, the Chief Minister stressed the need for close coordination among Endowments and Tourism departments and district administration to manage the festivities effectively, as a large number of devotees from Andhra Pradesh and other States are expected to visit the temple.

With Union Ministers, dignitaries and prominent personalities also expected to attend, Chandrababu emphasised that adequate arrangements must be made without causing inconvenience to ordinary devotees.

“Dasara should not become a VIP festival. Everyone must cooperate to ensure that common devotees have a hassle-free darshan,” he said, directing officials and public representatives to support the decisions taken by senior officials for the smooth conduct of the celebrations.

The CM also instructed officials to keep the public informed about darshan arrangements, facilities and other important decisions. In the event of traffic restrictions during VIP visits, officials should devise suitable measures to minimise inconvenience to commuters and motorists.

The review also covered preparations for President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Durga temple, National Saras Mela and Vijayawada Utsav 2.0.

Chandrababu directed Tourism department to organise Vijayawada Utsav 2.0 as a vibrant blend of celebration, tradition and cultural activities. Special programmes should be designed to encourage public participation and showcase the State’s rich cultural heritage, he said.

Observing that the influx of devotees, tourists and visitors from different parts of the country would stimulate economic activity in the region, he asked officials to make comprehensive arrangements to accommodate the expected crowds.

Chief Minister Naidu said National Saras Mela–2026, scheduled to be held at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada from October 13 to 31, should set an example for the country in promoting women’s entrepreneurship and self-help groups.

Officials informed him that 576 stalls would be established at the fair to showcase products made by women members of Self-Help Groups from across the country, including 208 stalls representing Andhra Pradesh.

Chandrababu emphasised that the mela should provide a major national platform for women entrepreneurs and rural artisans to market their products under the ‘Swayam AP’ brand. He said the initiative should help women expand their market reach, strengthen their businesses and promote locally manufactured products.

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The Hans India