Tue Dec 23 14:29:09 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
The two-day Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Mahotsav began in Visakhapatnam on December 23, 2025. The event, jointly organized by the Union Ministry of Panchayat Raj and the Andhra Pradesh State Panchayat Raj Department, features stalls displaying tribal products and traditional dishes from various Indian states, as well as Khelo India competitions and archery events. Winners were announced for both Khelo India (men’s and women’s categories) and archery (men’s and women’s individual categories). Demonstration sports competitions were also held.
News Article:
PESA Mahotsav Kicks Off in Visakhapatnam with Tribal Showcase and Sporting Events
VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA – December 23, 2025 – The Visakhapatnam Port Stadium buzzed with energy today as the two-day Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Mahotsav commenced, showcasing the rich culture and talent of tribal communities from across India.
The event, a joint effort by the Union Ministry of Panchayat Raj and the Andhra Pradesh State Panchayat Raj Department, was inaugurated by Union Ministry Joint Secretary Mukta Shekhar, A.P. Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department Commissioner Krishna Teja, and Arjuna Award-winning archer Jyothi Surekha.
A major highlight was the inauguration of 68 stalls featuring traditional products and cuisine from states including Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Visitors were treated to displays of handloom products, traditional food items, and regional specialties like Kondapalli and Etikoppaka toys, and Mangalagiri and Venkatagiri sarees.
The Mahotsav also featured vibrant Khelo India competitions. In the men’s category, Madhya Pradesh secured first place, with Odisha as the runner-up. Telangana and Gujarat teams tied for third. In the women’s category, Jharkhand emerged victorious, followed by Madhya Pradesh as the runner-up, and Odisha taking third place.
The archery competition saw intense competition among 20 players from eight states. Krishna Pingua from Jharkhand took gold in the men’s individual category, followed by Badri Lal Meena from Rajasthan with silver, and Dinesh Murmu from Jharkhand with bronze. In the women’s individual category, Khushi Nanoma from Rajasthan won gold, Anuradha Kumari from Jharkhand won silver, and Ambika Pandey from Odisha won bronze. The winners will be officially awarded their prizes tomorrow at the closing ceremony.
The evening concluded with demonstration sports competitions at the cricket stadium, where players from ten states showcased their impressive skills.
The PESA Mahotsav continues tomorrow with the closing ceremony, promising to be a fitting finale to this celebration of tribal culture and sporting achievement.
First Piper 