Artistes performing traditional folk dances as part of the Vijayawada Utsav 2.0, at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: G.N. RAO
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and people of Vijayawada for conducting the second edition of Vijayawada Utsav, highlighting the city’s cultural, spiritual and economic significance.
In a letter marking the festival, Mr. Modi said Vijayawada occupied a special place in the economic, cultural and spiritual life of Andhra Pradesh, with its rich heritage shaped by the sacred River Krishna and the revered Sri Kanaka Durga temple.
The Prime Minister said the culture of a city would endure when its people remained connected to their traditions and passed them on to future generations.
Describing Vijayawada Utsav as an important initiative, he said the festival provided an opportunity to bring the region’s rich cultural heritage into everyday life, while opening up new avenues for local artistes and entrepreneurs.
He also noted that the festival would provide fresh momentum to tourism in the region. Expressing satisfaction over the event’s focus on skill development, Mr. Modi underscored the importance of initiatives that combine cultural preservation with economic opportunities.
The Prime Minister said that as India progressed towards the vision of a developed nation, cities needed to grow, while keeping their distinctive cultural identities alive. He emphasised that programmes such as Vijayawada Utsav played an important role in achieving this objective by connecting communities with their heritage while supporting local talent and enterprise.
Mr. Modi extended his best wishes to everyone associated with the festival and expressed the hope that the event would further strengthen the bond between the people of Vijayawada and their rich cultural heritage.
Published – October 11, 2026 08:32 pm IST
