All set for Amaravati Avakaya Festival in Vijayawada from January 8

The Haritha Berm Park developed by Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) on the banks of the Krishna River in Vijayawada, buzzed with activity on Wednesday as the three-day ‘Amaravati Avakaya Festival’ is scheduled to start on Thursday. (January 8, 2026)

The Tourism Department, in collaboration with Teamwork Arts, is hosting the event that aims to showcase the richness of Telugu cinema, culture, arts, and literature.

Events will organised primarily at Punnami Ghat and Bhavani Island, with free entry for visitors who are encouraged to register online.

Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, APTDC Managing Director Amrapali Kata, district officials, and organisers reviewed the arrangements.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, besides a host of other Ministers and VIPs, are expected to attend the inaugural, which includes a grand procession, leather puppet show, drum performances, musical events, river ferry rides, heritage walks, food festivals, and other cultural attractions.

The Chief Minister will launch houseboats and ‘float-and-dine’ romantic cruises and the plan is to expand such tourism facilities State-wide.

Playback singer Javed Ali will regale the audience at the festival. A video message promoting the Amaravati Avakaya Festival by the singer was released on Wednesday.

“I am eagerly looking forward to presenting my music in the presence of the people of Andhra Pradesh and experiencing their love and affection,” said Mr. Ali in the video message.

Programmes lined up

Over the three days of the festival, the visitors can view film screenings or become part of animated literary discussions, poetry readings, music and dance performances, theatre shows, workshops, cultural lectures and contemporary art exhibitions.

Notable features include workshops on martial arts, discussions on villain roles in cinema, storytelling sessions, training in leather puppet-making, Nagada percussion workshops and conversations on topics such as “OTT cinema, adaptation of novels” to films, and Indian mythology and narrative traditions.

Evening programmes will feature classical and devotional music concerts, Kuchipudi dance dramas, mushaira sessions and performances by renowned singers, including Javed Ali.

Rich tributes would be paid to the legendary actor Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao on the final day of the festival, along with a musical theatre performance that will mark the conclusion of the event.