Kolkata: The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corp (APTDC) plans to organise Durga Puja to draw tourists from West Bengal, its officials said in Kolkata.
In a repeat of the Durga Puja festivities it held in 2012, the APTDC would hold the festival at five spots frequented by Bengali tourists: Vizag, Dindi, Vijaywada, Suryalanka and Arakku Valley.
An additional spot would be the capital city Hyderabad.
The idols would be taken to Andhra Pradesh from Kolkata`s famed potters` colony in north Kolkata, APTDC chairman and managing director Chandana Khan said on Friday.
The priests and the drummers (dhakis) would also go from West Bengal. "This will enable the tourists to offer prayers and soak in the festive spirit despite being away from home," she said.
Plush resorts are being set up for the tourists from Bengal with the Andhra government expecting a huge footfall from the state during Durga Puja.
The APTDC is also offering various discount packages for the tourists during the Durga Puja season. It is also providing 25 per cent discount to senior citizens on accommodation.
IANS
