Mana Guntur–Mana Sankranti Festivities Begin At Welfare Centre

Guntur city mayor Kovelamudi Ravindra, along with Guntur East MLA Naseer Ahmed, on Tuesday formally inaugurated the Mana Guntur–Mana Sankranti festivities organised by the Guntur Municipal Corporation at the Welfare Centre, officially known as the Nara Chandrababu Naidu Sports Complex.

Addressing the gathering, Ravindra said the civic body was conducting Sankranti celebrations in both the western and eastern constituencies of the city in a festive and inclusive manner. He noted that the Welfare Centre, once notorious as a hub of antisocial activities, had now been transformed into a vibrant venue for cultural celebrations. He lauded the efforts of MLA Naseer Ahmed and Municipal Commissioner Puli Srinivasulu for making the transformation possible.

The mayor also announced that efforts would be made in the coming days to further develop the site by providing a walking track and additional sports facilities. He said the cultural programmes being organised as part of the Sankranti celebrations would continue until January 15 and were designed to entertain people of all age groups. Ravindra appealed to citizens to participate in large numbers and use the celebrations as a platform to pass on India’s rich cultural traditions to the younger generation.

MLA Naseer Ahmed said the Welfare Centre land in the eastern constituency had remained unused for nearly four decades. After cleaning and reviving the space, the administration had now succeeded in hosting Mana Guntur–Mana Sankranti celebrations there. He said the morning witnessed traditional competitions such as rangoli (muggulu), tug-of-war and seven stones (edu penkulata), while a variety of cultural programmes were scheduled for the public. He urged city residents to attend the events with their families and enjoy the festivities.

Jana Sena district president Gade Venkateswara Rao said the eastern constituency was witnessing unprecedented development due to the efforts of the MLA.

Later, the mayor and the MLA participated in traditional games such as stick-and-ball play, seven stones and kite flying, cheering the public and adding to the festive spirit. The programme was attended by Degala Prabhakar, Deputy Mayor Shaik Sajila, corporators from various divisions and municipal officials.