Enchanting Festivals of Andhra Pradesh

Pongal, is a major festival celebrated for continuous four days in Andhra Pradesh. During this festival, every house of Andhra Pradesh is beautifully decorated with rangoli and flowers. Preparing the traditional dish Pongal on this festival is a must.

Ugadi is the first day of Hindu Lunisolar calendar which is officially known as New year day for Andhra Pradesh. Ugadi pacchadi, a dish made of sweet, bitter and sour flavours is the main highlight of the festival. Colloquially known as Chandramana Ugadi, this auspicious day falls in March and April months.

Ganesh Chaturti, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated all over the world grandly. One can find the streets of Andhra filled with pandals decorated, beautiful idols of Lord Ganesha, people dancing around and celebrating this beautiful Vinayaka Chavithi festival. 

Festival of Shivaratri is observed with extreme enthusiasm in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Devotees throng the various important Shiva temples in the state mainly Sri Kalahasteshwara Temple at Srikalahasti and the Bharamarambha Malikarjunaswamy Temple at Srisailam. Devotees also observe fast and chant mantras in honour of Lord Shiva to mark the auspicious festival.

Diwali, the 'festival of lights' is celebrated with so much pomp all over India. This amazing festival of Andhra Pradesh has a great history depicting the Hindu culture. Every house of Andhra Pradesh is lit with diyas to celebrate the good over the evil. 

Srivari Bramhotsavam is the grand procession of Lord Venkateshwara in Tirupati. The festival is celebrated with great vigour for 9 days and attracts a large number of devotees every year. Each day of this Andhra Pradesh Festival has a lot of religious significance. 

Buddha Jayanti, also known as Buddha Pournima, is celebrated with a lot of glory in Andhra Pradesh, especially in Amaravathi, Hyderbad, and Nagarjunasagar. On this auspicious day, people gather in large number and pray for their well-being. 

Held by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, Visakha Utsav attracts a large number of local and foreign tourists each year. The 3-day cultural festival is celebrated from October to December. 

Dasara, the religious festival of Andhra Pradesh celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. This beautiful Andhra Pradesh Festival is celebrated for ten days, where the last day is called Vijaya Dashami. The Durga puja on Vijaya Dashami is marked with a lot of glory in Andhra Pradesh.