The festive spirit of Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh's Godavari region was overshadowed by an unprecedented accommodation crisis this year, with hotel and lodge prices reaching astronomical levels. The massive influx of visitors, particularly to the cockfighting hub of Bhimavaram, led to a complete sell-out across nearly 150 hotels in key towns, forcing tariffs to multiply three to fourfold.
Accommodation Chaos: From ₹5,000 to ₹1 Lakh
The most shocking example came from Bhimavaram, where certain hotels demanded a staggering ₹1 lakh for a three-day stay meant for a family of five. This represented a dramatic leap from the standard daily rates, which typically range between ₹1,000 and ₹5,000. For the festive period, these were repackaged into Sankranti deals costing between ₹30,000 and ₹60,000 for three days.
Across Bhimavaram, Eluru, Tadepalligudem, and Tanuku, not a single hotel room was available. "This Sankranti became unaffordable for common people," lamented K Raghuvendar, a visitor from Telangana. He highlighted the lack of regulation, pointing out that even modest lodges were charging luxury rates.
The scarcity was exacerbated by reports that several politicians and influential figures had booked guest houses well in advance. This pushed ordinary tourists to seek alternative arrangements, leading to a premium-priced rental market for private houses and even wedding halls for the five-day festival.
High-Stakes Festivities: Betting Syndicates in Action
Parallel to the accommodation frenzy, the scale of betting, particularly around the traditional cockfights, intensified significantly. Organisers had reportedly finalised deals with betting syndicates well before the festivities began.
In Tadepalligudem alone, betting worth nearly ₹2.5 crore was said to be lined up. Syndicates in areas like Seesali, Narayanapuram, and Chinaamiram were preparing play arenas valued at around ₹1 crore each. "The scale is much bigger this year," confirmed a rooster breeder, Inti Pradeep. He noted that organisers were competing aggressively to attract high-profile bettors who had made substantial gains the previous year.
Commercial Frenzy Defines Celebrations
The commercial explosion extended beyond lodging and betting. Bars and venues were decked out with high-tech luxuries, mega buffets, and live streaming on large LED screens, catering to the crowds. This underlined the sheer scale and economic frenzy that now characterizes Sankranti in the Godavari region.
The situation has sparked concerns about affordability and the need for oversight during major festivals, as the massive demand completely distorts local markets, pricing out regular visitors and leaving them in shock.
