Shakti Vijayotsav at Punnami Ghat Honours the Power of Ma Durga
The recent festivities at Punnami Ghat during the Dussehra celebrations blended spirituality with a sense of empowerment at this year’s Shakti Vijayotsav event organised by the Andhra government. Over 25 thousand individuals gathered over three days to commemorate Vijayadashami by partaking in a celebration that paid tribute to the essence of 'Shakti' – the power within women that symbolizes strength and inner fortitude.
As the sun set beneath the horizon on the riverbank a feeling of reverence and wonder embraced the ghats. The air was filled with the echoes of shankh-naads and sacred chants during the Maha Aarti ceremony that held everyone in a shared spiritual moment. Mega boats symbolizing the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga glided through the Krishna River in a mesmerizing spectacle.
The occasion featured over 300 female artists and performers who presented a range of acts that deeply connected with the audience. Adding significance to the event, female bureaucratic officers from across Andhra Pradesh attended as special guests. Prominent personalities, such as Nara Bhuvaneswari, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of Heritage Foods Ltd. and Managing Trustee of the NTR Memorial Trust, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V. Anitha, Minister for Women’s Child and Tribal Welfare, Gummadi Sandhya Rani, and Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh were present to show their support, for empowering women voices in the community. In her address Nara Bhuvaneswari urged women to embrace their authenticity and lead by example.
The evening unfolded acts such as a traditional Kuchipudi dance showcasing the triumph of Goddess Durga over darkness, in the legend of Mahishasura Mardini. Musical renditions recounted the tales of the Goddess’ nine forms, as a drone display lit up the evening sky - blending themes with modern technology to share stories of empowerment and resilience inspired by local folklore.
As the nation embraces the festive season, gatherings like Shakti Vijayotsav will continue to be welcomed for their desire to play a vital role in uniting women from diverse backgrounds in a safe, culturally rich environment—where authentic connections are made, and the strength of women is celebrated in its truest form.
