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Every year, thousands of tourists travel to the state of jasmines, Andhra Pradesh, to experience its unique culture. Festivals serve as markers for comprehending a culture. Andhra Pradesh’s extravagant celebrations are enough to make you shiver with anticipation. Famous festivals in Andhra Pradesh include the authentic Lumbini to the vibrant Deccan festival, and Maha – shivraratri, Diwali, offering a glimpse into the tradition and rich heritage of the state. These festivals are a must to witness for tourists seeking an authentic experience of Andhra Pradesh.
10 Famous Festivals In Andhra Pradesh
Attend these famous festivals in Andhra Pradesh and witness the vibrant festivities showcasing state’s rich culture:
1. Pongal
Photo: Hishampgm / Wikimedia Commons
In practically all of India, people celebrate Pongal, also known as Makar Sankranti. It is one of India’s most well-known harvest celebrations. People here dress like historical figures from their mythology, invite guests to the feast, and hand them candy. Four days are dedicated to celebrating the Pongal festival, the first, known as Bhogi Panduga, is spent burning old items, and the second, known as Pedda Panduga, is spent dressing in new garments. The event culminates with the Kanuma Panduga on the fourth day, while the third day is dedicated to Mattu Pongal.
Time Of Celebration: Mid – January
Location: Town of Guntur joyfully celebrates Pongal.
2. Ugadi
Photo: Kalyan Kanuri / Wikimedia Commons
Ugadi, the Telugu New Year, which marks the start of a new dawn, is the next event on our schedule. “Ugadi Pachadi,” the festival’s hallmark dish, perfectly captures its spirit. The many dimensions of life are symbolized by this dish, which is made up of six components that stand for the six tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, spicy, and tangy. The decoration of entrances with “thoranalu” mango leaves and marigold flowers during this period is an architectural wonder.
Time Of Celebration: March or April, when Ugadi, the Telugu New Year, is celebrated
Location: Hyderabad and Vijayawada are the best places to witness Ugadi in all its splendor
3. Tirupati Tirumala Brahmotsavam
Photo: Adiseshkashyap / Wikimedia Commons
The ancient Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is the center of attention during the grand Brahmotsavam celebration. The “Rathotsavam,” the festival’s centerpiece, is a magnificent display in which the idol of Lord Venkateswara is paraded in front of ardent followers while perched atop a brilliantly decorated chariot. For the length of the event, the town is engulfed in a supernatural aura as bells clang and rhythmic chants.
Time Of Celebration: September or October
Location: Tirupati’s renowned Venkateswara Temple
4. Christmas
Photo: Ashish trehan / Wikimedia Commons
Andhra Pradesh celebrates Christmas with the rest of the world as winter approaches. With sparkling stars adorning buildings and beautifully adorned Christmas trees gracing homes, the state radiates warmth and happiness. The air is filled with the resonant melodies of carol singers, and midnight masses bring people from all walks of life together in prayer. Christmas is a time to celebrate peace, love, and harmony.
Time Of Celebration:25th December
Location: Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad churches
5. Vinayaka Chaturthi
Celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the holiday is one of the most popular in India and is popularly known as Ganesha Chaturthi in Maharashtra. Andhra Pradesh refers to it as Vinayaka Chaturthi, since Lord Ganesha is known by the term Vinayaka. The people of Andhra Pradesh worship the Lord with leaves, flowers, sandal paste, vermilion, kheer, and other offerings on this magnificent festive day. As a sacred custom, the event culminates with the immersion of Lord Ganesha’s idol into the river.
Time Of Celebration: End of August. It occurs annually over eleven days
Location: Cities of Hyderabad, Kanipakam, and Machilipatnam
6. Diwali
Photo: Subharnab Majumdar / Wikimedia Commons
In Andhra Pradesh, people celebrate Diwali, with great excitement. It is one of the biggest Hindu holidays, observed globally on Amavasya, the new moon day, and is also called the Festival of Light. It is one of India’s most well-known celebrations. There are a lot of fireworks during this wonderful time. The delicious Diwali sweets from this state and the fairs that take place at different locations are the festival’s specialties.
Time Of Celebration: On the day of the new moon, approximately in October or November
7. Deccan Festival
Photo: Suyash Dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Buckle up for a five-day celebration that showcases Andhra’s rich artistic tradition as we explore the Deccan Festival. Classical music concerts, Kathak and Bharatnatyam dance performances, and heartfelt Ghazal recitals all took place beneath the lit arches of Hyderabad’s Qutub Shahi Tombs. A shoppers paradise, the night bazaars include a wide selection of traditional jewelry, handicrafts, and fabrics. The festival offers a singular, multisensory experience and is an open invitation to fully immerse oneself in the state’s culture.
Time Of Celebration: February
Location: Hyderabad
8. Maha Shivaratri
Photo: Yallappa Nandi / Wikimedia Commons
On the eve of Krishna Chaturdashi, people celebrate Maha Shivratri, a celebration honoring Lord Shiva. On this day, people fast and visit the temples to give prayers. The temples host numerous nighttime events and performances. It is thought to be one of Andhra Pradesh’s earliest celebrations.
Time Of Celebration: 13th or 14th day of Phalgun’s dark half, which usually falls in February or March
Location: Kalahasteeswara Temple and Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
9. Dussehra
In the south, Dussehra is known as Dasara and Vijayadashami. In the ten-day festival of Vijayadashami, Hindus worship Goddess Durga. People of the state visit the Goddess Durga temple while adorning beautiful ethnic attire. The other major tradition that people of this state follow is setting up the “Bommala Koluvu” at their homes. This arrangement of toys and dolls is very beautiful.
Time Of Celebration: October
Location: Warangal Durga temple and the Alampur Jogulamba temple.
10. Lumbini Festival
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Standing out from all the other Andhra Pradesh’s festivals, Lumbini Festival is a celebration of the rich Buddhist heritage. It derives its name from the birthplace of Buddha and has exhibits of artifacts while organizing visits to important Buddhist sites to let one feel a slice of Andhra Pradesh’s history. The three-day festival combines cultural and art events, celebrating the peaceful philosophy of Buddhism with awareness and appreciation.
Time Of Celebration: December
Location: Nagarjunasagar and Amaravati
Andhra Pradesh is a treasure trove of its righteous cultural ethos and rich religious and regional diversities, especially a vivid tapestry of festivals. Famous festivals in Andhra Pradesh range from the grandiose Tirupati Tirumala Brahmotsavam to the colorful Pongal and Ugadi, with each giving a unique look at the state’s traditions. Plan a visit around the vibrant festivities with Trip XL for a memorable experience!
Cover Photo: Vimalkalyan / WIkimedia Commons
