Preparations begin for ‘Vijayawada Utsav’ and ‘Saras Mela’, says MP

Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) addressing the media in Vijayawada on Sunday. | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) on Sunday (September 27, 2026) said that elaborate arrangements are being made for the ‘Vijayawada Utsav’ and the ‘National Saras Mela’ during the Dasara festivities.Addressing the media here, Mr. Chinni said the Vijayawada Utsav would be held from October 11 to 20 in connection with the Navaratri celebrations, while the Saras Mela would be organised from October 8 to 23. The events would be held mainly at the 18-acre Punnami Ghat, with several programmes also planned at the Makineni Basavapunnaiah Stadium, he added. He said cultural programmes featuring artistes from different parts of the country would be organised during the 10-day Vijayawada Utsav. A food festival showcasing cuisines from different regions would also be part of the celebrations.Mr. Chinni said efforts were being made to bring elephants from Mysuru to Vijayawada as part of the festivities. Chief Ministers of various States and Union Ministers were also being invited, and programmes reflecting the cultural traditions of different States would be organised.A special itinerary was being planned so that visitors could combine a visit to the Kanaka Durga temple with the Vijayawada Utsav and Saras Mela. He suggested that visitors plan a two-day stay in the city, with darshan at the temple in the morning and participation in the cultural events and fair in the evening.The MP said the festivities were being planned to showcase Vijayawada’s cultural and artistic traditions. Last year’s Vijayawada Utsav had witnessed participation by the Vice-President, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and a large number of people, he said. Published - September 27, 2026 08:08 pm IST