‘Yeru Festival’ at Bhadradri promises a blend of spirituality & tourism

The three-day festival starting on Jan 9 coincides with Mukkoti Ekadasi celebrations at the famous Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Devasthanam

Kothagudem: Blending spirituality and tourism, the Kothagudem district administration and Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) have planned the ‘Yeru (River) Festival’ coinciding with Mukkoti Ekadasi celebrations at the Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Devasthanam, Bhadrachalam.

Devotees visiting Bhadrachalam for the celebrations could now enjoy nature, taste tribal cuisine, and witness tribal culture as well as traditions.

The festival to be organised from January 9 to 11 aims to highlight tourist destinations like Bhadradri Temple, Kanakagiri Hills, Tribal Museum, Kinnerasani Dam, and Deer Park among others.

District Collector Jitesh V Patil said arrangements for boating in the river, camping on the riverside with decathlon tents-hygienic toilets as well as campfires and visits to nearby tribal villages have been made.

A tourist package costing Rs 6,000 is being offered for registered visitors to visit Bojjiguppa, Kinnerasani, Bendalapadu, and the ITDA Tribal Museum.

Cultural performances at Godavari ghat would be held from 5 pm to 7 pm during the three-day event. There will be a special performance on January 9 by artistes of the Parampara Foundation depicting the Ramayana theme and by tribal troupes.

Stalls showcasing tribal crafts, food, traditional tribal products, organic flour, Telangana, and tribal snacks have been set up for the devotees. Tribal culture, including their rituals, dress and jewellery, hunting equipment, and cultural exhibits are also on display at the ITDA Tribal Museum, the Collector said.

Arrangements for field visits, traditional archery, tribal dance performances, campfire, and traditional tribal food have been made for visitors to savour a tribal village experience.

Devotees can also trek to Kanakagiri Hills with remains of the historic Kakatiya-era fort in the background to explore the history as well as enjoy the natural scenery, ITDA Project Officer B Rahul said. For those staying at the riverside campsite, tribal cuisine would be served by adivasi women self-help groups for which a dining shed has been set up.

Selfie points have also been set up at the Tribal Museum as well on the Godavari riverbed, he added.