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

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to prioritize the well-being of common devotees during the Sarannavaratri festivities at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam on Indrakeeladri, over those of VIPs. Speaking during a teleconference with key stakeholders, Naidu emphasized that Dasara should be a festival for ordinary people, not a gathering for elites.

He directed that VIP visits should not disrupt the experience of regular devotees and called for early communication of darshan schedules and facilities. Traffic disruptions during VIP movements were also to be minimized. Regarding Vijayawada Utsav 2.0, Naidu urged the Tourism Department to ensure its success, with active public involvement, highlighting the event as an opportunity to showcase Andhra Pradesh’s culture and traditions.

The influx of devotees and tourists was expected to stimulate economic activity in the region. Additionally, Naidu reviewed preparations for the National Saras Mela 2026, slated to take place at Punnami Ghat from October 13 to 31. With 576 stalls, including 208 representing Andhra Pradesh, he stressed the fair’s role in providing a national platform for women's self-help groups and rural entrepreneurs to showcase their products under the ‘Swayam AP’ brand, promoting women’s entrepreneurship and rural livelihoods.

The teleconference also discussed preparations for President Droupadi Murmu’s potential visit to offer prayers at Goddess Durga and attend the Saras Mela, with security, traffic, and other arrangements to be coordinated. The meeting included participation from Union Minister Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar and State Ministers Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Kandula Durgesh, and Kondapalli Srinivas, alongside officials from the relevant departments and the NTR district administration.