Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to organize the ongoing Dussehra Sharannavaratri celebrations in Vijayawada, the national-level Saras Mela and Vijayawada Utsav 2.0, which will begin soon, in a grand and successful manner. He clarified that the endowment and tourism departments as well as the district administration should work in coordination for the success of these huge programs. He issued key orders in a review held through teleconference with ministers and top officials on Friday.

The CM clarified that the Dussehra celebrations should be held as a festival for the common people and not for VIPs. "The Indrakeeladri celebrations should be a Dussehra for the common people, not a Dussehra for VIPs. All sections should cooperate in this," he said. In the context of a large number of devotees, several Union ministers and dignitaries coming from other states, it is the responsibility of the officials to ensure that the common devotees do not face any difficulties due to their arrival. He directed that the public should be informed in advance about the traffic restrictions imposed due to the arrival of VIPs and alternative arrangements should be made to reduce their difficulties.

The CM hoped that the 'National Saras Mela-2026' to be held at Punnami Ghat from October 13 to 31 will be an ideal for the country. In the context of President Draupadi Murmu attending this mela and Durgamma darshan, the arrangements for her visit were discussed. Officials explained that 576 stalls are being set up to display the products of women self-help groups across the country, out of which 208 stalls belong to AP. The CM said that this mela should be a great platform for our state's women entrepreneurs to display and sell their products at the national level under the 'Swayam AP' brand.

Chandrababu also said that the 'Vijayawada Utsav 2.0' organized under the auspices of the Tourism Department should be organized grandly. He asked that these festivals should be organized with the participation of the people so that they reflect our culture and traditions. The CM stated that due to these series of programs, economic activities in the region will increase with the arrival of devotees and tourists, and arrangements should be made accordingly.

Union Minister of State Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, State Ministers Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Kandula Durgesh, Kondapalli Srinivas, NTR district officials, and senior officials of various departments participated in this review meeting.