ANANTAPUR: Government has forgotten annual coronation celebrations of Vijayanagar Empire at summer capital Penukonda in Anantapur distirct. However, Lepakshi utsavalu is continued at historic Lepakshi due to initiative by Nandamuri Bala Krishna, who was MLA of Hindupur. Further the state government was also conducting Gandikota Utsavalu in Kadapa district every year without fail.
The Karnataka government was celebrating Hampi Utsava every year to attract tourists of national and international-level. The Hampi Utsava was to recall great services of Vijayanagar Empire Sri Krishnadevaraya during his coronary celebrations every year. The Karnataka government, recently, celebrated in a grand manner by spending nearly Rs 20 crore.
But, the AP government reportedly ignored the coronation celebrations of the emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya at summer capital Penukonda. The state government had celebrated 500th annual coronation celebrations and continued for two more years at Penukonda town in the district. Later, the representatives ignored to initiative in performing celebrations. The Congress party had celebrated annual fete during last year by collecting funds through ‘begging’ in Penukonda. Congress in-charge K.T. Sridhar said they performed celebrations while the government neglected to recall emperor who did great services to future generations. Penukonda is also familiar as Ghanagiri which has more than three hundred temples of various cultures including jain culture. The Penukonda fort resembles the rich heritage culture of Vijayanagara Empire.
Ghanagiri Parirakshana Samithi convener K. Prathap Reddy lamented the central ministers had announced big number of sops towards development of Penukonda as rich heritage centre during 500th coronation celebrations five years ago, but in vain. The ISKON has recognised the historic note of Penukonda and came forward to construct golden temple at hill top of Penukonda hill. The five centuries old Narasimha Swamy temple is planned to remodel as golden temple. Meanwhile, the Gandikota celebrations in Kadapa district are planned to celebrate for three days from January 21- 23. Kadapa collector during a meeting with officials asked to take all necessary measures to make success the programme.
