RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: West Godavari, long celebrated for its vibrant Sankranti traditions and the sanctity of its Pancharama temples, is preparing for a new chapter in rural hospitality.
The district, which attracts thousands of visitors around Sankranti in January, has often struggled to offer enough accommodation during the festive season.
Now, a fresh initiative aims to transform that gap into a meaningful opportunity — both for tourists seeking authentic experiences and for local families hoping to benefit from the steady inflow of visitors.
To address the perennial shortage of lodging and support rural livelihoods, the Andhra Pradesh government has launched an ambitious homestay project across the district.
The Tourism Department has already identified more than 90 homes that can be readied for guests, while MEPMA (Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas) is preparing another 50 homestays in Bhimavaram, Tanuku and Palakollu.
But this programme goes beyond simply creating rooms for travellers. It is a deliberate effort to build cultural bridges.
Visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in village rhythms — eating traditional meals cooked in local kitchens, observing age-old customs, and spending time with communities known for their warmth and hospitality.
Women’s groups are at the forefront of this effort, taking responsibility for organising, maintaining and curating these stays.
19 families coame forward to open their homes for Sankranti travellers
Under the guidelines, each homestay will offer at least one and up to six rooms, accommodating a maximum of 12 beds.
Homeowners must continue to live on the premises, ensuring that every guest experiences genuine family hospitality. A representative from the household or women’s group will be available round the clock to guide visitors and address their needs.
Interest from residents is already growing. In Bhimavaram alone, 19 families have come forward, ready to open their homes for Sankranti travellers. Supporting these emerging women entrepreneurs, MEPMA is offering soft loans, sanitation and waste-management assistance, and up to Rs 3 lakh in financial aid to help upgrade older houses into guest-ready spaces.
“We will inspect the homes, verify applicants’ backgrounds, and ensure no criminal record before approval,” said Hepsiba, MEPMA Project Director, West Godavari. Each homestay will be graded Gold or Silver based on facilities, hygiene and service quality. Hosts will also receive training in guest management, housekeeping and hospitality standards.
As the district gears up for Sankranti, the initiative is already generating excitement. What began as a practical solution to a seasonal accommodation crunch is evolving into a cultural movement — one that celebrates community pride, women’s empowerment and the simple joy of sharing a home-cooked meal with a guest.
This Sankranti, West Godavari is not only opening its temples wider — it is opening its homes, its stories and its way of life to the world.