Vibrant Beats and Heritage: Vijayawada Utsav 2.0 Kicks Off

Sunday morning saw the banks of the Krishna river at Punnami Ghat awash with colour, music and a palpable buzz of excitement. Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu ceremonially lit the lamp, officially kicking off Vijayawada Utsav 2.0.

Organised by the Society for Vibrant Vijayawada, with backing from the state government and the tourism department, the festival is very much a brain‑child of Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (affectionately called “Chinni”). He says the whole idea is to let the nation see, hear and feel the city’s famed hospitality, its age‑old traditions and the spiritual vibe that pulses through its streets.

What followed the lamp‑lighting was a smorgasbord of cultural showcases – folk dances that have been passed down generations, classical performances that made a few eyes glisten, and even some art forms that are slowly fading away. Audiences cheered, clapped, and many couldn’t resist a spontaneous dance step themselves.

“Prime Minister Modi’s letter of appreciation is a badge of honour for us,” Sivanath beamed, recalling the handwritten note that arrived just days before the launch. The MP’s pride was mirrored by Minister Naidu, who lauded the festival’s potential to shine a spotlight on local talent, boost tourism and open up new avenues for small traders.

Among the attractions, the National Saras Mela stole a bit of the limelight. Stalls brimming with handcrafted products made by women’s self‑help groups from different states offered a tactile reminder of India’s diverse craftsmanship. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, while applauding the organisers, also used the platform to stress the importance of women’s safety, dignity and empowerment throughout the celebrations.

As the sun set, the organisers made a heartfelt appeal: join the festivities, support the artisans, and help place Vijayawada firmly on the cultural‑tourism map. If the opening day is any indication, Vijayawada Utsav 2.0 promises a joyous blend of heritage, community spirit and economic hope.