18 Famous Festivals Celebrated in Andhra Pradesh



Andhra Pradesh is one of the popular states in the southern part of India, a wonderful place to experience the beautiful traditions and culture during celebrations. Andhra Pradesh's wide range of celebrations and cultures make it one of the most popular states in India. Every house is decorated with enthusiasm during this wonderful religious and cultural festival.

Temples and religious places in the southeastern state as well as some other places are culturally and mythologically important. Read this article to know more about the most popular and popular celebrations in Andhra Pradesh.


18 Famous Festivals in Andhra Pradesh:


Here are some of the famous festivals and fairs of Andhra Pradesh that people celebrate with great pomp and gaiety. To see the vibrant culture that prevails in this state, you should plan a trip during the fairs and festivals.



1. Sankranti :

Sankranti also known as Makara Sankranti is a festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh and across India. It is a major festival of Andhra Pradesh celebrated for 4 days in January every year. This festival is the time when all those working and looking for jobs in other cities go back to their homes to celebrate with their families and friends. During the four days of the festival, all the houses are decorated with magnificent rangolis and delicious traditional dishes are cooked.


Every celebration day is important. The most important day is Bhogi when people burn old items from their homes and get rid of any negativity. Makara Sankranti, the second day also known as Pedda Pandaga (big festival) in AP is the most important day of celebration. Today is the first day of Uttarayanam which is celebrated with new clothes, prayers and lots of sweets. The third day of the festival is Kanuma, which is the festival of cattle. Cattle are considered part of the family. Thus, cattle are also decorated. These days they are served in traditional ways and people eat a variety of non-vegetarian meals on that day. The 4th day is the end of the festival, Mukkanuma festival.


Main attraction : Beautiful rangolis displayed in front of all houses, beautifully decorated bull, chicken races, delicious sweet and savory food The bull race.

Sankranti Festival Date 2023 : 14 January 2023 - 17 January 2023

Where: Statewide.

Festival Duration : 4 days.



2. Ugadi :

Ugadi is the most important Telugu festival in Andhra Pradesh, meaning beginning, Yugam means period, and Aadi means the beginning of an event. It is Telugu New Year in Telugu Calendar. This year all the Telugu people prepare Ugadi Pachdi with six flavors (Shadruchus) namely: sweet chilli, hot pungent, salty, pungent and bitter. Their belief is that ugadi green is a symbol of happiness and sadness. On Ugadi, special pujas and almanac shravana are performed in temples.


The main attraction is the preparation of ugadi pachadi (pickle), a concoction of six flavors, panchanga sravanam.

Ugadi Festival Date 2023 : 22 March 2023.

Where: All over Andhra Pradesh.

Duration of Festival : It lasts for one day.





3. Vinayaka Chavithi :

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular festivals celebrated across India. It is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh with great pomp and grandeur also known as Vinayaka Chavithi and is a day to commemorate Lord Ganesha. On this very special day, people make offerings to Lord Ganesha by offering flowers and leaves. Meals like kudlums and undrals are prepared to worship Lord Ganesha.

Main attraction : Giant pigs decorated with deities worshiped by Ganesha.

Vinayaka Chavithi Festival Date 2023 : 19 September 2023 to 28 September 2023.

Where : All over the state, especially in Kanipakam, Ainavilli and Bikkaolu.

Festival Duration : 9 days.



4. Srivari Brahmotsavam :

Srivari Brahmotsavam, also known as Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vari Brahmotsavam, is held in grandeur every year for nine days at the magnificent Kshetra Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh. Various pujas are performed to the lord during these nine days of festival. On the ninth day, Lord Venkateswara is worshiped on a palanquin. The whole world comes to witness this joyous celebration.

Major attraction: The grand procession of Venkateswara, in which the Lord is adorned in a different way every day, even a chariot (vahanam) of a different design is used to make it unique.

Srivari Brahmotsavam Date 2023 : 16 October 2023 to 24 October 2023.

Where: Tirumala.

Festival Duration : 9 days.



5. Sri Rama Navami :

Sri Rama Navami celebrates the birthday of Lord Rama. It is also known as Sitarama Kalyanam commemorating the marriage of Lord Rama to Sita. On this auspicious day, people cook a variety of delicacies, but the most popular ones served as prasad are soaked moong dal and drink.


Main attraction : Lord Rama and Sita Kalyanam.

Sri Rama Navami Date 2023 : 30 March 2023.

Location : Vontimita, Statewide.

Duration of Festival : One day.



6. Christmas :

The festival of Christmas brings joy not only to the people of Andhra Pradesh but all over the world. This festival celebrates Christ's birthday and people begin the celebration by singing songs about the wonderful deeds of Jesus Christ. During this period, various types of fairs and feasts are held across Andhra Pradesh. Syrian Christians are believed to observe the festival with beautifully decorated elephants, powerful umbrellas and spiritual rituals unique to Christmas in the state.

The most popular attraction is the beautifully decorated churches and houses where people sing hymns to God.

Christmas Date 2022 : 25 December 2022.

Where: Statewide.

Festival Duration : It lasts for 1 day.


7. Diwali :

Diwali is another major festival that illuminates the state of Andhra Pradesh beautifully. Also known as the Festival of Lights, it is celebrated on the new moon day and is one of the most important Hindu festivals. The night sky is illuminated by spectacular fireworks. Sweets and fairs are the most popular dishes that highlight Diwali in Andhra Pradesh.

Main attraction : Brightly lit houses and firecrackers..

Diwali Festival Date 2022 : 24 October 2022.

Where: All over Andhra Pradesh.

Duration of Festival : One day.



8. Maha Shivaratri :

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in the evening and Krishna Chaturdashi is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. People fast all day, visit temples at night, and then stay awake all night, singing devotional songs. Constant vigilance is called jagarana and many people chant bhajans to keep their minds alert. Shivaratri is one of the oldest festivals celebrated in Andhra Pradesh.

Main attraction : People fast all day and sing songs of Lord Shiva and stay awake all night.

Maha Shivaratri Date 2023 : 18 February 2023.

Where: Kalahasteswara Temple, Bhramarambha Malikarjunaswamy Temple. across the state.

Duration of Festival : One day.



9. Dussehra:

In the southern states of India, Dussehra is known as Vijayadashami and Dussehra and is celebrated for ten consecutive days. During these nine days of the festival Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, Annapurna and many other avatars are present. On the tenth day Amma wears Durga. Also some make toys in a fun way called toy measure.

The main attraction is that Amma wears different guises for nine days. Then on the 10th day she assumes the guise of Goddess Durga.

Dussehra Festival Date 2023 : 15 October 2023 to 24 October 2023.

Location : Vijayawada, across the state.

Duration of the festival: It is held for ten days.



10. Muharram :

Muharram can be described as the second holiest month in Islam after Ramadan. Furthermore, Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and the beginning of the month in the Islamic calendar. In the Muslim religion, Muharram opens the door to new beginnings and new opportunities in the coming year. So, it is important in Muslim religion. In addition, the festival celebrates Hussein Ibn Ali and Muslims seek forgiveness for wrongdoings.

Main attraction : Muslims gather and pray for forgiveness of their sins.

Muharram Date 2023 : 29 July 2023.

Where: Statewide.

Duration of Festival : It lasts for one day.



11. Sirimanotsavam :

Sirimanotsavam is a unique festival celebrated at Paidithalli Ammavari Temple of Vizianagaram in the Coastal region of Andhra Pradesh and is considered to be the largest regional festival. Sirimanu is unique in that it is a large tree carved in the shape desired by the priest and with the consent of the owner of the tree. During the festival, the tree is worshiped as a siriman. On the day of the festival, Sirimanu parade was held in the streets of Vizianagaram town.

Main attraction: Anjali Rath is a white elephant chariot and Sirimanu Faladaram.

Sirimanotsavam Date 2022 : 11 October 2022.

Where: Vizianagaram.

Duration of Festival : More than 10 days.



12. Festival of Bread:

It is celebrated at Bara Shaheed Dargah in Nellore, Rotian Ki Eid or Festival of Bread is an annual festival that lasts for three days. It is a celebration of 12 martyrs whose mortal remains were buried in the temple premises. It is observed in the month of Muharram. People from all over the world visit this shrine to witness the practice of exchanging rotis.

Important attraction : Visitors come to the shrine to exchange rotis.

When: September.

Where: Bara Shaheed Dargah, Nellore.


13. Prabhala Theertha:

Prabhala Theertham (also known as Prabhala festival, Sankranti festival in Konaseema, Andhra Pradesh is an ancient tradition celebrated with great fervor in the middle of the pass. The winter months bring life to nature across Konaseema. Konaseema region does this. A popular tourist destination reflecting the Telugu tradition. During this festival you can use bamboo. Lord can be decorated with vibrant clothes and paper.Used to house Lord Shiva idol and visit Prabhala Tirtha.Beeline for Jagganna Garden.Large number of tourists visit this site to enjoy a memorable experience.

Important attraction : Shopping stalls and colorful Prabhu, crowds.

Prabhala Theertham Date 2023 : 16 January 2023.

Where: Konaseema.

Duration of Festival : One day.



14. Lakshminarasimha Swami Kalyanam, Intervedi :


Lakshmi Narasimha Kalyana Mahotsav is celebrated with great fervor from Magha Sudha Saptami to Magha Bakula Padyami (in February) at the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Antarvedi. The temple was built between the 15th-16th centuries and is a memorable event in the area where both the Bay of Bengal and Vashishta Godavari meet.

Main attraction: Lakshminarasimha Swamy Kalyanam.

When : February-March.

Where: Intervedi.

Duration of Festival : It lasts for one day.



15. Visakha Utsav :

Visakha Utsav is organized by the state government and is one of the most famous cultural festivals of Andhra Pradesh. The festival allows you to experience the diverse cultures of South India beautifully and runs for four days. Several heritage tours, clothing shows and flower stalls along with traditional arts, sports activities and cultural performances are the major attractions of this festival. Many people come to enjoy this celebration.

  Main attractions : Cultural performances, sports activities, traditional handicrafts.

When : End of December.

Where : R.K.Bridge, Visakhapatnam.

Duration of Utsavam : Four days.


16. Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival :

This Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival is the ideal place to take in the arts, culture and cuisine of the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. Many people are keen to participate in the shows and performances held in this Rayalaseema region. So, anyone who wants to experience authentic food and culture should not miss this celebration.

Main attraction : Authentic local food and cultural performances.

When: October.

Where: Chittoor.

  Duration of Festival: This festival lasts for nine days.



17. Lumbini Festival :

The festival is organized by the Department of Tourism under the administration of Andhra Pradesh, Lumbini festival is an annual Buddhist festival held in December every year. The festival beautifully showcases the Buddhist tradition through the efforts of the state government. It is one of the most important festivals in Andhra Pradesh, and you will see the footsteps of thousands of tourists every year.

Main attraction : Buddhist art, culture, tradition.

When: December.

Where: Nagarjunasagar.

Duration of the festival: It lasts for three days.




18. Holi :

Holi is celebrated as a festival of colors. This festival is celebrated in the month of Falguna. It is celebrated in March according to English calendar. During this time all the people soak each other in paint and colored water. The use of different colors in this festival is a sign of an upcoming bountiful and good spring harvest.


India is a country with many different cultures and customs. This article provides an insight into the famous fairs and festivals of Andhra Pradesh, which the people of the state enjoy with great joy. Note the festivals you want to be a part of in the calendar and schedule your trip to coincide with the date. Don't forget to tell us you found this post helpful!