Visitors enjoy the festive atmosphere at Bhavani Island during the Avakai celebrations in Vijayawada. | Photo Credit: G.N. Rao The three-day Avakai–Amaravati Festival of Cinema, Culture and Literature, organised at Punnami Ghat and Bhavani Island in Vijayawada, concluded on a grand note on Saturday (January 10), marking a significant milestone for the State’s creative economy. According to a press note from the district administration, more than 5,000 visitors attended the festival during the first two days, while footfall crossed 7,000 on the final day. The concluding day featured musical performances by the Chowraasta band, followed by a tribute to legendary actor N. T. Rama Rao titled ‘Natasaarvabhowma NTR’. The celebrations culminated in a live concert by noted singer Javed Ali and the final show of the signature musical Love Story, which blended popular Telugu compositions with contemporary dance. Encouraged by the response, Minister for Tourism, Youth and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh, announced that the next edition of Avakai–Amaravati will be held from December 17 to 19, 2026. He said the Avakai festival would serve as a model for several upcoming major events, including the ongoing Flamingo Festival at Sullurpeta, Gandikota Utsavalu from January 11 to 13 and Visakha Utsavalu from January 23 to 31. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Nukasani Balaji, Vijayawada Central MLA Bonda Umamaheshwara Rao, Mylavaram MLA Vasantha Krishna Prasad and others attended the valedictory programme. Published – January 10, 2026 11:00 pm IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation Students shocked over closing of Vaishno Devi medical college in Jammu over ‘poor infrastructure’ Set aside political differences for development of capital city: Governor