Amaravati, January 10, 2026: Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan inaugurated the Pithapuram Sankranti Mahotsavam at RRBHR College grounds in Kakinada district, urging people to celebrate the harvest festival in a clean, inclusive way.
He criticised the negative image tied to rooster fights, gundata, and large-scale betting in Godavari districts, warning that such activities drain crores from society and harm native culture.
"I do not want to curb people’s joy or traditions," he said, but stressed protecting nature-rooted customs for future generations.
Pawan Kalyan proposed turning Pithapuram Jana Sena Party's ideological headquarters into a permanent centre for Sankranti, evolving it into an all-religion event similar to Kerala's Onam. He also highlighted development: ₹308 crore completed last year, ₹211 crore underway this year, plus progress on Uppada shore protection.
