Andhra Pradesh Government Plans Tourism Boost for Bara Shaheed Dargah

Tirupati: The Andhra Pradesh government plans to develop the historic Bara Shaheed Dargah in Nellore into a major tourist destination as the annual Rottela Panduga continues to attract thousands of devotees from across India and abroad, municipal administration minister Dr Ponguru Narayana said on Friday.

Speaking to reporters after serving traditional roti for the welfare of the state at the festival, he said that the 412-year-old dargah has witnessed a steady increase in the influx of pilgrims over the years. Around 15 lakh devotees are expected to attend this year’s five-day festival, he said.

Narayana said the government has made detailed arrangements for smooth conduct of the festival. More than 6,000 municipal employees, 1,600 police personnel, trained swimmers and boats were deployed, while free medical camps were set up for devotees from different parts of the country and abroad.

He said special emphasis was given to maintaining cleanliness of Swarnala Cheruvu and asked devotees to help keep the festival premises clean. Pilgrims are expected to continue visiting for a few more days even after the festival officially ends, he added.

Recalling earlier initiatives, Narayana said Rottela Panduga was recognized as a state festival during the 2014-19 government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. He said that infrastructure and public amenities were improved after 2014, which contributed to the steady increase in the number of devotees visiting the shrine.

Ongole MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy appreciated the arrangements and suggested converting the adjacent lake into a tank embankment to develop the area.

Waqf Board chairman Abdul Azeez described Rottela Panduga as a symbol of communal harmony and said CCTV cameras and drones have been installed for security. He added that Gandham Mahotsavam will be held on the night of June 27 and a large number of devotees are expected to attend.