Archive · 12 Oct 2026
Naidu Orders Smooth, Inclusive Indrakeeladri Dasara Festivities
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu wants the Dasara celebrations at Vijayawada’s Durga temple to run smoothly.
Many devotees are expected, along with important visitors.
He said ordinary people should not face problems because of VIP visits.
Officials were asked to share clear information about darshan and facilities.
They should also plan traffic arrangements to reduce disruption.
The meeting covered the President’s temple visit and two other events.
Vijayawada Utsav 2.0 is intended to feature traditions and cultural activities.
National Saras Mela will run from October 13 to 31 at Punnami Ghat.
It will have 576 stalls, including 208 from Andhra Pradesh, for products made by women’s self-help groups.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to ensure smooth Sharannavaratri celebrations at the Durga temple on Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada.
He called for coordination among Endowments and Tourism departments and district administration as large crowds and dignitaries are expected.
Naidu said Dasara should not become a VIP festival and asked officials to protect ordinary devotees’ access to hassle-free darshan.
The review included arrangements for President Droupadi Murmu’s temple visit, National Saras Mela and Vijayawada Utsav 2.0.
National Saras Mela–2026 is scheduled for October 13–31 at Punnami Ghat, with 576 stalls, including 208 from Andhra Pradesh, showcasing women’s self-help group products.
- Who
- Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, officials and public representatives.
- What
- Naidu directed officials to ensure smooth, inclusive Dasara temple festivities and plan related events.
- When
- The review took place on Sunday; National Saras Mela–2026 is scheduled for October 13–31.
- Where
- Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam on Indrakeeladri and Punnami Ghat, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- To manage expected crowds, avoid inconvenience to ordinary devotees and support cultural activities and women entrepreneurs.
Ordinary devotees and commuters
VIP visits and event arrangements
Managing VIP attendance
Ordinary devotees and commuters
Ordinary devotees should have hassle-free darshan and should not be disadvantaged by VIP arrangements.
VIP visits and event arrangements
Union ministers, dignitaries and other prominent visitors are expected, and preparations are also being made for President Droupadi Murmu’s visit.
Traffic during visits
Ordinary devotees and commuters
Traffic restrictions should cause as little inconvenience as possible to commuters and motorists.
VIP visits and event arrangements
Officials may need to impose traffic restrictions during VIP visits and were asked to devise suitable measures.
- Temple celebrations
- Sharannavaratri celebrations at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam, atop Indrakeeladri.
- Crowd planning
- Large numbers of devotees from Andhra Pradesh and other states are expected.
- VIP access
- Naidu said Dasara should not become a VIP festival and called for hassle-free darshan for common devotees.
- Other preparations
- The review covered President Droupadi Murmu’s temple visit, National Saras Mela and Vijayawada Utsav 2.0.
- Saras Mela dates
- October 13–31, 2026.
- Saras Mela location
- Punnami Ghat, Vijayawada.
- Saras Mela stalls
- 576 stalls in total, including 208 representing Andhra Pradesh.
- Mela focus
- Showcasing products made by women Self-Help Group members and promoting women’s entrepreneurship.