CM Chandrababu Naidu Prays for Rainfall, Prosperity and Poverty-Free Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday visited the Sri Kanaka Durga Temple atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada with his wife, Nara Bhuvaneshwari, and offered prayers for abundant rainfall, prosperity and improved living standards across the state. The couple presented silk garments and traditional offerings to the goddess and performed special rituals on the occasion of the Dasara Sharannavaratri festival.

After the darshan, Naidu said he had prayed for sufficient rainfall, the eradication of poverty and the overall development of Andhra Pradesh. He expressed his wish for the state to become a healthy, prosperous and happy society, with better living conditions for its people. He also extended Dasara greetings to the people of the state.

The Chief Minister appreciated the temple authorities and the governing body for making effective arrangements for the Navaratri celebrations. He said the facilities provided to devotees had helped ensure a comfortable and hassle-free darshan. Around eight lakh devotees visited the temple during the first six days of the festivities, he said, adding that people of all ages were arriving to seek the goddess's blessings.

Naidu also highlighted the growing festive atmosphere in Vijayawada, welcoming the organisation of Vijayawada Utsav 2.0 and the National Saras Aajeevika Mela. He said the city's Dasara celebrations were gaining recognition among India's prominent festivals. Vijayawada Utsav showcases the city's traditions and cultural heritage alongside modern artistic performances.

The Saras Mela, meanwhile, features handloom textiles, handicrafts and regional food products made by rural women. The Chief Minister noted that the event helps women promote their products, strengthen their financial independence and develop sustainable livelihoods.

Earlier, temple officials accorded a traditional welcome to the Chief Minister and his wife. Temple Sthanacharya Shivaprasad Sharma adorned Naidu with the customary Pariveshtam headgear. The couple offered silk garments amid Vedic chants, following which priests delivered Vedic blessings at the temple's blessings hall. Temple Executive Officer Sheena Naik presented the goddess's consecrated cloth to the Chief Minister.