The three-day Nari Shakti (Women’s Power) festival kicked off at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada on the occasion of Durga Ashtami. The event is centered around celebrating women's empowerment and spiritual inspiration, with a range of cultural programmes.

Nara Bhuvaneswari, wife of former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, was the chief guest on the opening day. During the event, she distributed Pasupu (turmeric) and Kumkuma (vermilion) to nine women as a symbolic gesture. In her speech, she emphasized that while festivals hold significance for everyone, Dussera is especially meaningful for women. She extended festival greetings to the Telugu community worldwide and expressed gratitude to the state government for organizing such an empowering event near the sacred Kanaka Durga temple. Bhuvaneswari highlighted that Nari Shakti is a platform to recognize and celebrate the power of women and expressed hope that the state continues to receive the blessings of the Goddess.

Bhuvaneswari praised the achievements of women in various fields, from space exploration to flying fighter jets, and acknowledged the contributions of women from local governance to the nation's highest offices, including the presidency. She referred to the rise of Droupadi Murmu as India’s first female tribal President as a source of pride. However, she also pointed out that despite progress, women still face discrimination and emphasized the need for continued efforts toward achieving true empowerment.

She credited the late NT Rama Rao, founder of the TDP, for his pioneering steps in granting equal property rights to women and introducing reservations for women in local governance more than four decades ago.

Several ministers also shared their thoughts during the event. Savitha, Minister for Backward Classes, Handloom, and Textiles, wished prosperity to all women in Andhra Pradesh and expressed hope that they excel in all sectors. Tourism and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh praised the sacrifices and contributions of women, stating that women are the backbone of humanity’s survival.

The event saw participation from numerous public figures, including MLAs, MLCs, IAS, and IPS officers. District Collector Dr. G. Srujana, and Kishore, the Managing Director of Tourism, were among those present at the festival.

Celebrate Dussehra: The Festival of Triumph, Traditions, and Togetherness