Vijayawada Utsav 2.0 will showcase the city’s cultural and spiritual heritage, say Ministers

Minister of Tourism Kandula Durgesh on Monday (September 28, 2026) said that Vijayawada Utsav 2.0 should evolve into an economic engine for the city by promoting tourism and creating opportunities for local businesses, artists, and other sections, rather than remaining confined to entertainment.

Speaking at the curtain-raiser for the festival at Ambedkar Kala Vedika, Mr. Durgesh said the Tourism Department will extend full support to the festival and stressed the need to provide greater opportunities to local traders, auto-rickshaw drivers, and artistes by promoting traditional folk forms such as leather puppetry and Tappetagullu, while also giving space to padyam and mythological theatre.

Minister of Medical and Health and district in-charge Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav said Vijayawada’s rich historical, spiritual, and cultural heritage will be showcased nationally and internationally through the festival. Cultural and entertainment programmes would be organised alongside spiritual activities during Dasara, he said.