Bara Shaheed Dargah Symbol of Communal Harmony: Anam

 Nellore: Endowments minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy on Tuesday described the historic Bara Shaheed Dargah in Nellore as a symbol of communal harmony and said the annual Rottela Panduga reflects India’s tradition of unity in diversity.

The minister visited the dargah and offered special prayers for the peace and prosperity of the nation and the development of Andhra Pradesh. He was received by State Waqf Board chairman S.K. Abdul Aziz, TD spokesperson Kotamreddy Giridhar Reddy, dargah committee members and Muslim religious leaders.

Addressing devotees, Ramanarayana Reddy said the Rottela Panduga brings together people from different faiths, cultures and communities who participate in the tradition of exchanging rotis, reflecting mutual respect and brotherhood.

He said the centuries-old festival has grown into a major annual event attracting lakhs of devotees from across the country.

The minister said the festival represents not only religious faith but also social harmony, national integration and peaceful coexistence.

Ramanarayana Reddy said his family had been associated with the development of the Bara Shaheed Dargah since the tenure of the late Anam Vivekananda Reddy. He added that the state government was taking steps to improve facilities for pilgrims.

He said the festival was being organised on a large scale with the support of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, education and IT minister Nara Lokesh, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and local public representatives.

The minister expressed hope that the tradition would continue to promote communal harmony and national unity.