Andhra Pradesh is a very important state in India, both in terms of its culture and mythology. It has many interesting places, religious sites, and historical monuments. Every year, thousands of people come to visit the state, especially the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, which is located on a hilltop and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Andhra Pradesh is one of the most popular states in India because it has a wide range of cultures and festivals. It is known as the “State of Jasmines” and has a unique cultural identity. The festivals in Andhra Pradesh have a special charm that attracts millions of followers and tourists. The state is also famous for its local dance form called Kuchipudi.
Makara Sankranti
Is a very important festival in Andhra Pradesh. It is celebrated for four days in the second week of January (13-16 January).
On the day before Makara Sankranti, called Bhogi, people wake up early in the morning and light a bonfire. They throw away old things like furniture into the fire to symbolize the start of something new. Children are given jujube fruit to protect them from evil. People visit their friends and relatives and exchange sweets like arisalu, which are made of rice flour and sesame seeds.
On the main day of the festival, women and girls make beautiful designs called rangolis and sprinkle them with cow dung to keep away evil spirits. Families gather on their rooftops and fly kites. It becomes a competition as neighbors try to bring down each other’s kites.
The following two days, called Kanuma and Mukkanuma, are dedicated to feeding animals, especially cows, as an act of charity. Mukkanuma is particularly important for farmers, who give gifts to their cattle and pray for a good harvest, asking for blessings from the elements like soil and water.
Ugadi
Ugadi is a significant festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh. It marks the beginning of the Telugu New Year and is observed with joy and enthusiasm.
Ugadi usually falls in the months of March or April, depending on the lunar calendar. The festival is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month. People eagerly await this auspicious day to usher in a fresh start and seek blessings for prosperity and happiness.
On Ugadi, people wake up early in the morning and take an oil bath, symbolizing purification and rejuvenation. They wear new clothes and decorate their homes with colorful rangolis. One of the key traditions of Ugadi is the preparation and consumption of a special dish called “Ugadi Pachadi.” This dish is a unique combination of six tastes – sweet, sour, bitter, salty, spicy, and tangy, representing different aspects of life. It signifies that life is a mix of different experiences and emotions.
During the festival, people visit temples to seek the blessings of deities. They also exchange greetings and wishes with friends, family, and neighbors. Cultural programs, traditional music, and dance performances are organized to celebrate the occasion.
Ugadi holds great significance as it is believed that the universe was created on this day. It marks a fresh beginning, offering an opportunity to set new goals, make resolutions, and leave behind the past. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and hope for a prosperous future.
Overall, Ugadi is a joyous festival in Andhra Pradesh celebrated with various rituals and customs, bringing communities together to celebrate the start of a new year with renewed enthusiasm and positivity.
Other Major Festival’s
Ratha Saptami is a festival that celebrates the birth of the Sun God. In Tirumala, it is celebrated with a procession where the idols of Lord Malayappa Swamy and his consorts are taken through the streets.
Antarvedi Fair Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Kalyanam, is held in Antarvedi and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Along with the festival, a fair is organized where stalls sell sweets, bangles, clothes, and more.
Kotappakonda Fair comes alive on the eve of MahaShivaratri, with crowds filling every inch of the hill to celebrate with great devotion. The giant ‘Prabhas’ procession is a sight to behold.
Mahashivaratri, known as ‘the night of Shiva,’ is celebrated in Srisailam and Kalahasti in a grand way. People observe fasting during the day and perform ceremonies at night.
Sri Ramanavami is the birthday of Lord Rama. It is celebrated in a grand manner in Vontimitta and Kadapa. Small idols of Lord Rama and Sita are worshipped in households before being taken out for a procession in the evening.
Tirupati Ganga Jatara is an annual folk festival in Tirupati. It lasts for a week, and devotees offer food and sarees to Gangamma, the Goddess who protects Tirupati.
Pyditthallamma Utsavam is a cattle trading festival held in Vizianagaram. Various small shops sell food, sweets, and handicrafts, and musicians and dancers from all over the country come to perform.
Sri Krishna Janmashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna and is one of the most important Hindu festivals. People decorate their homes, prepare sweets, and offer Lord Krishna his favorite butter.
Vinayaka Chavithi is celebrated with great excitement, especially in Kanipakam. The festival lasts for seven to ten days, and the entire state is beautifully decorated and lit.
Atla Tadde is a traditional festival observed by married Hindu women on the third day of Krishna Paksh of Aashijam. They fast for the health and long life of their husbands, while unmarried girls spend the day singing traditional songs.
Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra is one of the most important festivals in India. Goddess Durga is worshipped for nine days, and the tenth day signifies her victory over Mahishasura to restore Dharma.
Rotella Panduga is a three-day festival held at the Bara Shaheed Dargah in Nellore. It honors the 12 martyrs whose remains are buried in the compound.
Deepavali, the festival of lights, signifies the victory of good over evil. The main deity worshipped is Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. People exchange gifts, decorate their houses, and light lamps to celebrate.
Kartika Pournami marks the beginning of the auspicious Kartika month. In Shiva temples, oil lamps with 365 wicks, symbolizing each day of the year, are lit.
Visaka Utsav celebrates the arts, crafts, and cuisine of Visakhapatnam District. It brings together performers, craftsmen, culinary artists, and connoisseurs from all over the state.
Nagula Chavithi, or the Festival of Snakes, is celebrated on the fourth day after Deepavali in Andhra Pradesh. On this day, women and children feed milk to the snakes on the hills.
Vaikunta Ekadashi is considered an auspicious day and is celebrated in all Vaishnavalayas, especially in Tirupati. It is believed that those who pass away on this day are freed from the cycle of birth and death. Devotees observe fasting, stay vigilant throughout the night, and engage in meditation and devotional singing, known as ‘Hari Kirtan’.
