VIJAYAWADA: Former Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the Vijayawada Utsav here on Monday along with several state ministers. Education minister Nara Lokesh, who also lit the lamp along with Venkaiah Naidu, said the Utsav would showcase the region’s rich culture, history and arts to the present generation. Addressing the gathering, Lokesh described Vijayawada as a land sanctified by the blessings of Goddess Durga atop Indrakeeladri and River Krishna at the foothill. Tracing the ancient legacy, Venkaiah Naidu recalled how historical inscriptions referred to the city as “Bejawada,” how the Mogalrajapuram rock-cut caves reflected early architecture, and how Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang documented its Satavahana heritage. Vijayawada Utsav, he added, must not only celebrate the city’s present but also pass on its heritage to future generations while promoting Telugu language, art, and traditions.