The first Sunday of every month is closed to vehicular traffic and turned into an arena for dance, music, art, sports and other recreational activities. The revamped program is expected to feature expanded offerings, including live music bands, fitness sessions, and interactive workshops

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

After a hiatus of several years, Vijayawada is set to witness the revival of ‘Happy Sunday’ program, a recreational initiative first introduced in 2016. The program, which transformed city streets into vibrant spaces for cultural activities and community bonding, is being re-launched with renewed enthusiasm, promising to once again provide citizens with an opportunity to relax, connect, and showcase their talents.

‘Happy Sunday’ was a trailblazing initiative introduced by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) in 2016 to promote recreation and cultural engagement among the city’s residents.

The first Sunday of every month, the MG Road from Swaraj Maidan was closed to vehicular traffic and turned into an arena for dance, music, art, sports and other recreational activities. The program quickly gained popularity, attracting families, youth, and senior citizens alike.

The initiative became a platform for young people, especially students to display their artistic skills, with impromptu performances by budding musicians, dancers, and theatre enthusiasts. Fitness groups held yoga sessions, sports enthusiasts played the field, while children participated in games and art workshops.

For families, the program offered a chance to unwind in a stress-free environment, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

Despite its popularity, the ‘Happy Sunday’ program came to an abrupt halt in 2019 under the previous state administration. Reasons cited for its discontinuation included shifting political priorities and Covid challenges.

Ramesh Babu, a local resident said, “For many of us, ‘Happy Sunday’ was not just about recreation, it was a space where we could share our talents and interact with people from all walks of life. Its suspension left a cultural void in the city.”

The decision to revive ‘Happy Sunday’ comes as part of a broader initiative by the VMC to enhance the quality of life in Vijayawada and promote cultural and recreational activities.

According to municipal officials, the new iteration of the program will incorporate feedback from citizens to make it even more inclusive and engaging.

Speaking on this, NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha stated, “We are working on bringing back ‘Happy Sunday,’ a program that truly embodies the spirit of Vijayawada. It’s more than an event, it’s a celebration of our city’s culture, creativity, and community.

This time, we’re aiming to make it bigger and better by introducing new activities and extending the program to more locations across the city.”