Over 20 lakh devotees attend ‘Rottela Panduga’ in Nellore

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

The View From India Looking at World Affairs from the Indian perspective.

First Day First Show News and reviews from the world of cinema and streaming.

Today's Cache Your download of the top 5 technology stories of the day.

Data Point Decoding the headlines with facts, figures, and numbers

Health Matters Ramya Kannan writes to you on getting to good health, and staying there

The Hindu On Books Books of the week, reviews, excerpts, new titles and features.

State Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, A.P. Waqf Board Chairman Abdul Aziz and TDP spokesperson Kotamreddy Giridhar Reddy offering prayers during the closing ceremony of ‘Rottela Panduga’, at Bara Shaheed Dargah in Nellore on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: HANDOUT

More than 20 lakh devotees visited the famous Bara Shaheed Dargah to celebrate ‘Rotela Panduga’ in Nellore this year, said Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board Chairman Abdul Aziz during the closing ceremony held on Tuesday (June 30, 2026) evening. He congratulated the officials of all departments and gave mementos to them.

On the occasion, State Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy offered special prayers at the dargah. Speaking to the media, he described Rotela Panduga as a shining example of religious harmony. It was hailed as a unique spiritual event where people of diverse religions, traditions, and cultures came together on a single platform to demonstrate mutual respect and spirit of brotherhood.

“India has demonstrated the concept of ‘Unity in Diversity’ to the world, and Rottelu Panduga stands as a true reflection of that great culture. The gathering of devotees from various faiths — including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, and Sikhs — in one place to exchange roti on the banks of Swarnala Cheruvu, without any reservations, reflects the greatness of our culture,” he said.

The Minister noted that the centuries-old tradition transcends spiritual belief, standing instead as a symbol of interfaith harmony, a spirit of social unity, and human values. He emphasised that regardless of religion, all human beings are one, and that mutual love, respect, and coexistence are the core principles of Indianness.

He stated that every year, several devotees from various States across the country flock to participate in the festival, driven by their deep faith in the dargah. He remarked that the transformation of the festival — which began with only a few thousand devotees — into a grand event drawing lakhs of people