Vijayawada:Vijayawada’s Dasara Carnival styled as Vijayawada Utsav has entered the Guinness Book of World Records with the largest assembling of drum artists.
An enthused chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu declared that the Vijayawada Utsav would be developed on par with the renowned Mysuru Dasara festivities. The city, for the first time in its cultural history, has achieved global recognition with the awarding of the Guinness title for the largest gathering of drum artistes.
The Dasara Carnival Walk, part of the Utsav, stretched from IGMC stadium to Benz Circle. Featuring over 40 cultural troupes and more than 3,000 artistes, the event mesmerized thousands of cheering spectators. The Bandar Road turned into a cultural canvas of lights, colours, devotion and music on Thursday night.
As Bandar Road transformed into a stream of rhythmic arts and devotion, Vijayawada scripted a new cultural milestone, proudly securing its first Guinness World Record and elevating the grandeur of Andhra’s traditions on the global stage.
The divine procession of goddess Kanaka Durga stood out as a spiritual centerpiece in the celebrations, blending cultural extravaganza with religious fervour.
Guinness records adjudicator Swapnili Dangrikar handed over the world record certificate to the chief minister, who lauded the organisers and artistes for showcasing the state’s culture on a global platform. He pledged continuous support from the government to ensure that the Vijayawada Utsav grows into a grand annual festival, enhancing AP’s cultural image.
From traditional dances and folk performances to contemporary art forms, performers brought the city’s spirit alive to the full. Popular anchor Suma engaged the enthusiastic crowd, while state creative and cultural commission chairperson Tejaswi Podapati explained the uniqueness of each cultural troupe.
The ambiance, amplified by decorative lights and devotional renditions, left the city vibrating with festive energy.
The chief minister said the Guinness entry was not just Vijayawada’s pride but a milestone for the entire state. “This would place Vijayawada Utsav on the world tourism map and remain as the crown jewel of Amaravati,” he observed.
World badminton champion PV Sindhu also joined the carnival, lending it further star appeal. The Society for Vibrant Vijayawada, led by its president Muttavarapu Murali Krishna, resolved to stage the festival every year.
The organisers expressed confidence that the Utsav would energise local artistes, boost tourism and provide national and international stature to AP’s cultural landscape.
