Historic Dhimsa Performance by 13,000 Artists Wins Guinness World Record

Andhra Pradesh marked a historic milestone by combining a major infrastructure inauguration with a spectacular celebration of tribal culture as a 13,000-member Dhimsa dance performance earned a Guinness World Record during the inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district. The record-breaking performance featured around 13,000 tribal women and girl students, who performed the traditional Dhimsa dance in perfect synchronization. The vibrant display celebrated the rich cultural heritage of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh while creating history on the global stage. Following a detailed verification process, Guinness World Records officials confirmed the achievement, recognizing it as the largest Dhimsa dance performance of its kind. The announcement sparked jubilant celebrations among the participants, organizers, and spectators gathered at the venue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, one of Andhra Pradeshs most significant infrastructure projects. A grand cultural reception welcomed the Prime Minister, with thousands of Dhimsa performers presenting synchronized dances as his convoy passed through the ceremonial route, offering a colorful showcase of the regions tribal traditions. To execute the massive cultural programme, organizers divided the performers into 433 groups, each performing in circular formations. Months of planning, rehearsals, and coordination ensured the flawless execution of the record-breaking event. The performers were dressed in traditional attire featuring pink sarees with green borders and matching green blouses, reflecting the vibrant identity of the tribal communities of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh. The coordinated costumes added to the visual grandeur of the historic performance. The Andhra Pradesh government allocated ₹1 crore for the inaugural celebrations, covering cultural programmes, venue arrangements, participant management, security, transportation, and other logistical requirements. The newly inaugurated Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is expected to become a major aviation hub for North Coastal Andhra Pradesh. The airport is anticipated to reduce congestion at Visakhapatnam Airport while improving regional air connectivity and boosting tourism, trade, investment, and economic development. The inauguration will be remembered not only for the launch of a key infrastructure project but also for showcasing Andhra Pradeshs rich tribal heritage through a Guinness World Record-winning Dhimsa dance performance, bringing global recognition to one of the states most cherished folk traditions.

Lakhs of Pilgrims Take Part in Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina

Lakhs of devotees from Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states participated in the annual Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina, one of the states most revered spiritual events, held on the occasion of Ashada Pournami. The pilgrimage was conducted peacefully with elaborate security and civic arrangements put in place by the district administration. Devotees undertook the 32-km barefoot trek around the sacred Simhachalam hill, offering prayers to Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. Pilgrims from Telangana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and other parts of the country joined the annual yatra, highlighting its religious significance and widespread appeal. The sacred procession began at the foothills of Simhachalam and passed through Adavivaram, Hanumanthawaka, Appughar, Venkojipalem, Muralinagar, Gopalapatnam and several other localities before concluding at the temple. Throughout the journey, devotees chanted hymns and prayers as they completed the traditional circumambulation of the hill. The district administration, police and temple authorities made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Security personnel were deployed across the route, while traffic diversions were enforced to regulate vehicular movement and facilitate the safe passage of pilgrims. Drinking water, medical camps, ambulances, sanitation facilities, mobile toilets and help centres were provided at various locations for the convenience of devotees. Senior officials monitored the arrangements throughout the pilgrimage to ensure safety and effective crowd management. Temple staff and volunteers also assisted devotees along the route, contributing to the successful and incident-free conduct of the annual event.