Vijayawada, The 10-day Vijayawada Utsav brought together faith, folk traditions, cultural performances and crafts from across India, as Andhra Pradesh seeks to position the city as a major destination for spiritual and cultural tourism.
The celebrations also attracted prominent visitors, including President Droupadi Murmu, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav and a Chinese delegation, among others. “We are living in an inspiring time.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said festivals such as Vijayawada Utsav could bring spirituality, knowledge and technology together, while providing a platform to showcase Andhra Pradesh’s cultural heritage. We have technology and knowledge, and if we move forward by incorporating spirituality, we can fulfil our desired goals,” he said. Held during the Dussehra season, the festival centred around the worship of Goddess Kanaka Durga and featured classical art forms, folk performances, devotional programmes, entertainment events, exhibitions and the sale of articles of Rural Artisans Society Mela, which made its debut in the southern region, a release said on Wednesday.
Nearly 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh devotees visit Kanaka Durga deity every day during Navratri, according to Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath, highlighting the city’s religious significance and its potential to attract a wider tourist audience.
