Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Governor S Abdul Nazeer participated in the divine ‘Srinivasa Kalyanam’—the celestial wedding ritual of Lord Venkateswara—at Venkatapalem village in Amaravati on Saturday. Organized by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, the event drew thousands of devotees to the state’s capital city.

Naidu, visibly moved, shared on X, “It gave me immense happiness and contentment to partake in the Srinivasa Kalyanam at Venkatapalem in Amaravati capital.” He expressed hopes that, with the deity’s blessings, Amaravati would rise as a “people’s pride” and prayed for a “golden Andhra” and the welfare of its citizens. Describing the ritual as a “grand spectacle,” the CM later presented silken raiment to the deity in a traditional gesture.

Governor Nazeer also offered prayers, adding to the event’s significance. "With the grace of the Lord of the Seven Hills, I wish that Amaravati... may emerge as a capital that the people are proud of. I prayed that good things will happen to the people... that the efforts we are making to achieve the goal of Swarnandhra will bear fruit," Naidu said.

The ceremony was a vibrant affair, adorned with four tonnes of flowers, while 1,500 volunteers distributed curd rice, pulihora, and rava kesari packets to the throngs of devotees. The Srinivasa Kalyanam, a revered TTD tradition, symbolizes divine union and is believed to bring prosperity, making its hosting in Amaravati a notable moment for the region.

The event underscores Naidu’s vision for Amaravati as a thriving capital, blending spiritual reverence with developmental aspirations, as thousands witnessed this sacred celebration in the heart of Andhra Pradesh.