Manginapudi Beach Set for Maha Ganapati Fete With 63-Ft Idol

Vijayawada: Manginapudi Beach in Machilipatnam is set to become a major spiritual and cultural hub with 10-day Maha Ganapati celebrations, mines, geology and excise minister Kollu Ravindra said on Sunday.

Addressing a press conference at the beach, Ravindra said a 63-foot Maha Ganapati idol had been installed seeking universal welfare, state development and the happiness and prosperity of people. Sculptors Rajan and Rajendran worked for nearly two months to create the idol. Replicas of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Vijayawada Kanaka Durga temple, Simhachalam Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple and Bhadrachalam Rama temple would also be displayed.

Daily homams and spiritual programmes would be held, with special rituals and additional homa kundams planned towards the concluding days. Peethadhipatis and swamis from different parts of the country are expected to participate.

Around 50 stalls, a devotional programme stage, prasadam distribution and cultural programmes have been arranged. Special traffic routes, a one-way system and parking facilities would be provided to manage the rush. Lighting, watchtowers, security personnel, drinking water, washrooms and medical facilities would also be arranged, with trained swimmers deployed for beach safety.

Ravindra said a tourism village estimated at ₹100 crore had been proposed under Swadesh Darshan. About 750 acres had been identified for future projects, including golf courses, studios and resorts. Adventure sports such as paragliding and jet-speed boating would also be promoted subject to permissions and safety norms.

Greenery, fencing, an RO plant, dressing rooms, showers and modern washrooms with a coffee club are also being developed. The Maha Ganapati celebrations would be held every year, Ravindra said.