<Previous Page>

Andhra Pradesh nurtures a rich cultural heritage which encloses within itself a mixture of various religious and cultural communities. This reflects in the great number and variety of its fairs and festivals. While many of these are common with the rest of the country, some are celebrated with a distinct touch that is unique to the state.

Among the many festivals celebrated at Tirumala - Tirupati, the Brahmotsavam inSeptember-October isthe most spectacular. Rathotsavam is another popular feature. 

Muharram (June-July), the day of martyrdom of the grandsons of Prophet Mohammad. Traditionally, the Muharram period lasts over a month and is observed by Muslims and Hindus with temperance. On the 8th and 10th days o f Muharram, people of all religions pay respect at Chote Hazrat ki Dargah, inside Devan Devadi, in Hyderabad. Muharram of Hyderabad is considered as popular as the morning of Benaras, the evening of Oudh, the Dasara of Mysore. Milad-un-Nabi - Muslims celebrate this day with great fervour. Great congregation and principal assemblies in this connection are held in Mecca Masjid and at Dar-us-Salaam. 

Id-ul-fitr or Ramzan is celebrated on the 1st of Shawaal, tenth lunar month of the Islamic calendar. After a period of fasting which lasts for the whole month of Ramzan, special prayers are offered on the Idd day. The Muslims prepare a special dish for the Idd with milk and dates which is called "Shir Khurma". Idd-uz-zuha or Bakrid is a festival of great significance. Idd-uz-zuha is celebrated on the next day of the Haj falling on the 9th of Zilhaj, the last of the Hijri months. Muslims in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad celebrate 'Bakrid' in the traditional manner by offering prayers in the mosques, and with the sacrifice of goats.

'Visakha Utsav' is organised by A.P. Tourism every year from the third Friday to Sunday of January. The Visakha Utsav is organised to bring together a kaleidoscope of brilliant hues . 
The festival comprises of a variety of cultural programmes, sports events, food fair and exhibitions, fashion shows, trekking etc. 

'Deccan Festival' is celebrated by A.P.Tourism every year on 25th February wherein Hyderabad's Art, Crafts, Culture and Cuisine are highlighted. 

'Pearls & Bangles' Fair and food fair with items covering both Andhra and Hyderabad cuisine are part of the festivities. Cultural programmes such as Gazal nights, Qawalli etc., with renowned artists are organised.

Rayalaseema Food & Dance festival is organized by A.P.Tourism at Tirupati to coincide with Bramhostavam of Lord Sri Venkateswara in the Tamil month of Peratasi (October).

Lumbini festival is organized from the 2nd Friday to Sunday of December every year at Hyderabad and Nagarjunasagar to highlight and celebrate the 'Buddhist Heritage' of Andhra Pradesh.

<Previous Page>