Festivals of Andhra Pradesh that justify its rich culture and diversity are Ugadi, Deccan Festival and Atla Taddi among others. The temple festivals too vividly showcase the customary traditions of native people. Celebrations of particular nationwide festivals, namely Makara Sankranti, Pongal, Maha Shivaratri, Rama Navami and Ganesh Chaturthi are arresting highlights of Andhra Pradesh.
Pongal
Pongal is one of the most famous festivals of the state which is celebrated in the month of January every year. It is a harvest festival in which gratitude is offered to God, cattle and Mother Nature for their help in the growth of crops.
Ugadi, Telugu New Year
Ugadi is the New Year"s Day for the Telugu community in Andhra Pradesh, falling in the period April-May. The celebrations involve people wearing new clothes, decorating their homes and preparing sweets.
Deccan Festival
Deccan Festival is a 5 day long festival celebrated at the Qutb Shahi Tombs located in Ibrahim Bagh (garden precinct) close to the famous Golkonda Fort in Hyderabad. It is held on the second Friday, Saturday and Sunday of April every year, celebrating Hyderabad"s arts, crafts, cuisines and culture, along with a food and handicrafts fair.
Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival
The Rayalaseema Food and Dance festival is also dedicated to arts, crafts and multiple cuisines of Andhra Pradesh. It is celebrated in October in Rayalaseema region of the state, encompassing Anantapur, Chittoor, Kadapa and Kurnool districts.
Atla Taddi
Atla Taddi is a traditional festival of married Hindu women of Andhra region in Andhra Pradesh. It is observed by them for the health and long life of their husbands. It falls on the third night after the full moon in Aswiyuja month of Telugu calendar, in either September or October. It is the Telugu equivalent of Karva Chauth.
Varalakshmi Vrata
Varalakshmi Vrata is an important Hindu festival celebrated by many women in Andhra Pradesh by performing Puja to appease Goddess Lakshmi. It falls on the second Friday or the Friday before the full moon day (Purnima) in the Shraavana month of Hindu calendar. It is observed by married women for the well-being of all family members, especially husband, to get progeny etc.
Tirupati Tirumala Brahmotsav
Tirupati Tirumala Brahmotsav is a famous festival celebrated at the world famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Stretching for 9 days, the festival is marked by a vibrant procession of Lord Venkateswara.
Lumbini Festival
Lumbini Festival is celebrated in Hyderabad and Nagarjunasagar for 3 days in December every year. It is a Buddhist festival, once a major religion followed in the state. It is organized by the Tourism Department to highlight the Buddhist culture.
Visakha Utsav
Reflecting the traditions and culture of Andhra Pradesh, this festival is organized by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. It is a 4 day long festival which is marked by cultural shows, garment exhibitions, heritage tours, sports events, traditional crafts and flower shows.
