Give priority to common devotees at Kanaka Durga temple during Dasara, says Naidu

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to ensure the smooth conduct of the Sarannavaratri festivities at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam on Indrakeeladri, stressing that ordinary devotees must be given priority over VIPs.

During a teleconference with Ministers and officials of the Endowments and Tourism Departments and the district administration, Mr. Naidu called for coordinated efforts to manage the expected influx of devotees from Andhra Pradesh and other States.

“Dasara should be the festival of common people, not a VIP festival,” he said. He directed officials to ensure that VIP visits did not inconvenience ordinary devotees and stressed the need to communicate darshan timings and facilities in advance. He also called for measures to minimise traffic disruptions during VIP movements.

Reviewing preparations for Vijayawada Utsav 2.0, Mr. Naidu asked the Tourism Department to ensure the event’s successful conduct with active public participation. He said the festival should showcase Andhra Pradesh’s culture, traditions and heritage. The arrival of devotees and tourists would also boost economic activity in and around Vijayawada, he said.

The Chief Minister also reviewed arrangements for the National Saras Mela 2026, scheduled to be held at Punnami Ghat from October 13 to 31. Officials informed him that 576 stalls would be set up, including 208 representing Andhra Pradesh.

Mr. Naidu said the fair should provide a national platform for women’s self-help groups and rural entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products under the ‘Swayam AP’ brand. He stressed the need to promote women’s entrepreneurship, rural livelihoods and locally manufactured products.

Arrangements for President Droupadi Murmu’s proposed visit to offer prayers to Goddess Durga and attend the Saras Mela were also reviewed. Officials were directed to coordinate security, traffic management and other arrangements.

Union Minister Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar and State Ministers Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Kandula Durgesh and Kondapalli Srinivas participated in the teleconference, along with officials of the concerned departments and the NTR district administration.