PESA Festival Starts in Visakhapatnam

The PESA Festival has commenced at RK Beach in Visakhapatnam. The festival run was inaugurated by Mukta Shekhar, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Officials including AP Panchayati Raj Commissioner Mailavarapu Krishnateja, District Collector M.N. Harendhir Prasad, and several other dignitaries, along with a large number of employees, participated in the event. The festival, held on December 23 – 24, will host 1,500 tribal athletes from 10 states. Events include the Kabaddi final at Port Stadium, various indoor and outdoor sports competitions, over 200 stalls, and displays of cultural and traditional performances.

The PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, introduced in 1996, empowers tribal communities to protect their land and natural resources. The festival aims to raise awareness about the act, safeguard tribal rights, and preserve their traditions and cultural heritage. Last year, the festival was held in Maharashtra; this year, Visakhapatnam hosts the celebrations.