Andhra Pradesh is the seat of a vibrant and rich culture. This article lists the major festivities that are celebrated by the people in Andhra Pradesh, throughout the year:
Here are Get The Detailed Information of Festivals of Andhra Pradesh.
Sankranthi:
Sankranthi is the festival of the peasants. It is an auspicious day that is celebrated in all the villages and towns of Andhra Pradesh. Sankranthi is known as the festival of grain harvest. This festival is celebrated to ward off the evil spirits who haunt crop fields. It is celebrated for three days, and the festival is always followed by all farmers in Andhra Pradesh.The first day of the occasion is known as bhogi. It commences with the lighting of grass, and other organic waste products from the fields. The women of the villages decorate the front yards of their huts with lamps bright rangolis. There is a large bonfire. The farmers collect the ash from the bonfire and smear it on their forehead. This is done as a sign of respect to mother earth.The next day is Sankranthi. The women exchange sugarcane pieces, and sesame seeds with their neighbor. The third day of Sankranthi is called kanumu. At dawn the peasants bathe their cattle in the rivers, and decorate them with bells. Some farmers perform bali, the ancient ritual of offering cattle to the gods.
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Sri Rama Navami:
“Sri Rama Navami” marks the birth of Lord Rama,who was the king of Ayodhya and the protagonist of the ancient epic “Ramayana”. He is also called “Kalyanotsavam”. Navami also marks the marriage of Rama and Sita. The festival is celebrated for ten days. Devotees fast and pray at various temples to Lord Rama.The temples are decorated with flowers and Rathyatras are organised across the towns and cities. The religious epic “Ramayana” is all over the state. The people consider this time auspicious and buy new clothes. They decorate their houses with lamps and flowers. “Bhajans” are sung in praise of Lord Rama.
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Visakha Utsav:
The Visakha Utsav is celebrated only in the city of Visakhapatnam. The department of tourism of Andhra Pradesh organizes the festival annually. The Visakha Utsav celebrates the spirit of Visakhapatnam. The people from all over the country assemble to enjoy the spirit and indulge in the festivities of Visakha Utsav. The festivities take place in January. The third Friday of January marks the commencement of the festival. It continues for three days and end on a Sunday, that is of the same week. The three days showcase the culture and arts of Visakhapatnam. The fairs are held to display the crafts along with cultural programs. The cuisine of Visak is also celebrated through feasts.
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Christmas:
Christmas is the Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Church choirs belt out hymns and midnight masses are held in churches. Christmas trees are decorated and gifts are exchanged to celebrate happiness and good spirit. The Syrian Christians of Andhra Pradesh organise parades with elephants, colourful umbrellas and songs.
Holi:
Holi is known as the festival of colour. It is celebrated on the the month of Phalguna. This occurs in March in the English calendar. This is the time when all the people drench one other with paint and coloured water. The use of multiple colours in this festival stands for the oncoming of a good and bountiful spring harvest.
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Deepavali:
Deepavali is known as the Festival of Lights. This festival commemorates the killing of the demon Ravana by the king of Ayodhya, Ram. On returning after his victory, the kind was welcomed with the lighting of crackers and light. In Andhra Pradesh, this is a major festival celebrated with lamps, crackers and fireworks. It is celebrated on Amavasya or new moon day in Andhra Pradesh.
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These festivals of the state bring out the vibrant and rich culture of its community. In order to experience the state, one must take part in all these festivities.
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