Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Vijayawada Plans Grand Dasara Utsav and National Mela
Vijayawada is preparing for large Dasara celebrations in October.
Two major events will be held during this time.
The Vijayawada Utsav will run from October 11 to 20.
Another event will run from October 8 to 23, although the reports use different names for it.
Most activities will happen at Punnami Ghat, with some at a stadium.
Visitors can watch music and cultural performances from many parts of India.
They can also enjoy a food festival and visit Goddess Kanaka Durga.
Officials are arranging transport, safety, cleanliness and drinking water for the expected crowds.
Vijayawada will host the Vijayawada Utsav from October 11 to 20 during Dasara.
A national event, described as the SARAS Aajeevika Mela in one report and the National Lake Mela in another, is scheduled for October 8 to 23.
The main programmes will be held at the 18-acre Punnami Ghat, with additional events at Makineni Basavapunnaiah Stadium.
The Utsav will include performances from different Indian states, a national food festival and artists from across India.
Organisers are planning combined itineraries for Goddess Kanaka Durga’s darshan and the events while coordinating transport, security, sanitation and drinking water.
- Who
- Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath announced the plans, with arrangements directed by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
- What
- Vijayawada will host the Vijayawada Utsav and a national mela during the Dasara festivities.
- When
- The national mela is scheduled for October 8 to 23, and the Vijayawada Utsav for October 11 to 20.
- Where
- The main venue is the 18-acre Punnami Ghat, with additional programmes at Makineni Basavapunnaiah Stadium.
- Why
- The events are intended to attract devotees, tourists and art enthusiasts and to complement visits to Goddess Kanaka Durga.
- Vijayawada Utsav
- October 11-20
- National mela
- October 8-23; called the National SARAS Aajeevika Mela in one report and the National Lake Mela in another
- Main venue
- 18-acre Punnami Ghat
- Additional venue
- Makineni Basavapunnaiah Stadium
- Planned attractions
- State cultural performances, a national food festival and artists from across India
- Expected attendance
- Lakhs of devotees during the Dasara Navaratri celebrations
- Public arrangements
- Transport, security, sanitation and drinking water
