Celebrations and festivities add to the charm of
living life. Reminiscent of other parts of India, Andhra Pradesh also
observes many fairs and festivals in its wide expanse. Festivals,
aboriginal to the place, depict its culture and traditions. However,
there are many religious festivals like Diwali, Holi, Sankranti etc.,
which are celebrated in the state like any other state of India. Apart
from these religious festivals, the State Government organizes many
other festivals and fairs to promote tourism in Andhra Pradesh.
Lumbini Festival, Visakha Utsav, Deccan Festival, Rayalaseema Food and
Dance Festival are the cultural festivals that lure people from across
the world to visit and participate in the events. Besides these cultural
festivals, there are many religious festivals, like Brahmotsavam
(Tirupati) and Sri Rama Navami Festival (Bhadrachalam), which are
identified with the state. Celebrations here are characterized by color,
jollity, passion, feasts, prayers and rituals. Scroll down to know more
about the important fairs and festivals of Andhra Pradesh.
Deccan Festival
Deccan Festival is the most happening and perhaps one of the most
sought-after events in Andhra Pradesh. Organized by Andhra Pradesh
Tourism Development Corporation, the festival continues for five days in
the month of February. The best features of this festival are the arts,
crafts, dances, music.
Lumbini Festival
Lumbini Festival is one amongst the major festivals of Andhra Pradesh.
The festival is observed to commemorate the religion of Buddhism. The
event has been named after Lumbini, which is the birth-place of Lord
Buddha. Gautama Buddha taught people the lesson of purity and serenity
throughout his life.
Tirupati Festival
Tirupati Tirumala Brahmotsavam is the most important festival of Andhra
Pradesh. This nine-day festival is observed with grand celebration at
the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. Tirupati Brahmotsavam is celebrated in
the month of September/ October.
Visakha Utsav
In the vein of other festivals, Visakha Utsav is another festival that
is organized by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, to
augment tourism in the state. This festival is the most exclusive event,
which celebrates the traditions and culture in the form of arts, crafts,
music, dance.
Ugadi Festival
Ugadi Festival marks the celebration of New Year, as per the Hindi
Lunar Calendar. The residents of Andhra Pradesh observe this festival
with happiness and aspirations for the impending year. People celebrate
the occasion by wearing new clothes and decorating their homes. Ugadi
pachadi is special 'chutney' (condiment) that is made on this day and
offered to the deity. After the rituals, the 'chutney' is given to
everyone as a 'Prasad'. This festival generally falls in the Hindu month
of 'Chaitra' (March or April), on the first day of the bright half.
Pongal Festival
Pongal is one of the most important festivals celebrated in South
India. Like other states of this region, Pongal is celebrated with full
fervor in Andhra too. This festival marks the harvest season. Each and
every household in the state observe this four-day festival with
merriment. Also known as 'Harvest Festival', Pongal celebrates the
beginning of harvesting crops in the fields. Bhogi Festival, Surya
Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal are the names given to the
celebrations of four days. Pongal is celebrated in the month of January
every year.
Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival
One amongst the biggest cultural festivals, Rayalaseema Festival is
celebrated to accentuate the art and cuisine of the area as well as the
state. This festival is also organized by the Department of Tourism,
Andhra Pradesh. During the festival, various works of art and cultural
programmes gather the interest of every one. This festival also boasts
of assorted cuisines of the state. Another interesting fact about the
festival is that many famous personalities come here to give their
performances. 'Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival' is held in the month
of October every year.
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