Lose yourself in the Wonder that is Andhra Pradesh. Meander through lands steeped in chivalry and pageantry. Explore modern cities that have grown from the roots of a multi-hued past. Make a pilgrimage to holy shrines that echo with tales of antiquity. Frolic on a vast array of golden beaches that dot an enviable coastline. Sport with adventure in style. Let the jungle lure you to a fascinating world at a diverse array of wildlife sanctuaries and parks

Andhra Pradesh is the third largest state in India with an area of 275,000 sq. km. A state in the southern region of India, Andhra Pradesh is bordered on the south by Tamil Nadu state, on the west by Karnataka state, on the north and northwest by Maharashtra state, on the northeast by Madhya Pradesh and Orissa states, and on the east by the Bay of Bengal. The northern area of Andhra Pradesh is mountainous. The highest peak Mahendragiri rises 1500 m above the sea level. The climate is generally hot and humid. Annual rainfall is 125 cm. The Krishna and The Godavari are the major river systems in the state.

Andhra Pradesh has a very rich cultural background. Historians date life in the area to the Palaeolithic age of some 3,00,000 years ago. Of course, recorded history points to existence of societies as early as the sixth century BC in the Krishna and Godavari valleys.

From such a background emerges the modern day Andhra Pradesh, on the forefront not just alphabetically. Its people are achievers who display a rare hospitality and courtesy. The State is today on the top internationally in regard to information technology and its capital Hyderabad has metamorphosed into one of the best cities in the country.

Starting with a purely Andhra or Telugu culture, the people of the State have over the years imbibed the graces of Persian and Turkish cultures brought in by Muslim rulers. A confluence of such cultures has created an exclusive ‘Deccani’ culture that combines hospitality, grace, appreciation of beauty and a passion to excel.

It is this driving passion that has brought the State to the foremost position today. It already has valuable gifts that nature has endowed it with — a long coastline bordered by clean beaches; hills, forests and a meteorologically and socially pleasant climate.

It is not for nothing that global investors have found Andhra Pradesh ideal for setting up their units. International IT giants were among the first to be taken in by the Hi-tec City near Hyderabad and its environs that form Cyberabad — the IT destination.

Urbanisation of what was known as Andhra Desa covering almost all the present Andhra Pradesh, the Deccan Plateau and peninsular India started as early as the sixth century BC and this is borne out by the accounts of Megasthenes, Greek ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya, in the third century BC. Megasthenes recorded the existence of as many as 30 fortified towns in the region.

It was during this period that Buddhism and Jainism vied with the already established Brahmanism. But it was after the second Buddhist council in 380 BC that Andhra Desa became a Buddhist stronghold with Dhanyakataka, today’s Amaravati in Guntur district, as its centre.

After the fall of the Mauryan empire, the Satavahanas, who had accepted the suzerainty of the Mauryas, united as a single race. Their empire was vast and spread over the peninsula. The rulers were followers of Brahmanism, but the womenfolk practised Buddhism. It was during this period that Buddhism spread from these shores to China, the Far East and to Sri Lanka. The Amaravati school of art developed into a distinctive style. The Satavahanas proclaimed themselves Dakshinapathapatis – monarchs of the South. (Dakshin later came to be described as the Deccan.)

Saintly Successors

After the fall of the Satavahana empire, the Ikshvakus succeeded them in the coastal areas with their capital at Vijayapuri, a valley beside Sriparvata that later came to be called Nagarjunakonda. It was at Sriparvata that Acharya Nagarjuna established a centre of learning and preached the Mahayana form of Buddhism based on the Madhyamika philosophy during the 2nd century AD.

Subsequently came the Vishnukundins and during their reign Telugu became the court language and the area was referred to as Telangana or the Telugu land. During the Ikshvaku rule, Prakrit was replaced by Sanskrit. By the sixth century, Telugu as a language adopted a number of Sanskrit words.

Then came the Chalukyas, the Pallavas and the Kakatiyas. The Kakatiyas established themselves as rulers of a Telugu-speaking people and set up their capital at Hanumakonda. The Chalukyas and Kakatiyas proved themselves to be excellent architects and their contribution to temple architecture is a feast for the eyes even today.

A New Era

The glorious reign of the Kakatiyas came to an end in the 14th century and for the first time Telugus came under a Muslim regime that brought with it a totally different set of customs, language and religion. The Delhi Sultanate defeated the Kakatiyas in 1310. It was during 1347 AD that Allauddin Hasan, claiming lineage to Bahman Shah of Persia, revolted against the Delhi Sultanate and declared himself ruler of the southern part of the territory, comprising mainly the Deccan and Telangana area.

The Bahmanis were a regular source of irritation to the neighbouring Gajapathi and Vijayanagar rulers. Another epochal era was during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya of the Vijayanagar Empire, who joined forces with the Gajapathi rulers of the east coast and consolidated his empire. But after his death in 1529, decay set in on the kingdom with palace feuds.

It was somewhere around this time that the Qutb Shahi dynasty came into being when Sultan Quli, the Bahmani governor of Telangana, became independent and extended the new kingdom of Golconda right upto Machilipatnam on the east coast. Given the title of Qutb-ul-Mulk by the
Bahmanis, Qutb Shah, a descendant of a royal family of Hamadan in Persia, took over the reins and ruled till 1548.

The Birth of Hyderabad

Sultan Quli was murdered by his son Jamsheed but his youngest son Ibrahim managed to escape and take refuge in the neighbouring Vijayanagar Empire under Rama Raya. Seven years in exile, Ibrahim returned

to Golconda after Jamsheed’s death. By then, Ibrahim had married a Vijayanagar princess Bhageerathi and to them was born the builder of Hyderabad, Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah.

The city was named Bhagnagar, after Bhagmati. Subsequently it came to be called Hyderabad, today’s vibrant metropolis that has been transformed into a fitting tribute to the builder of the city.

Hyderabad today hosts some of the best buildings, both heritage and modern. Structures put up centuries ago are still preserved as monuments. Parks or gardens have been revived and the number of water bodies in and around the city rejuvenated to re-create the splendour of a thriving modern city that retains its old heritage with a sense of pride and belonging.

Malls and shopping complexes in multi-storeyed structures abound but the old ambience remains. A special charm is very much there. Amidst all this romantic environment, industries have come up. Some of the multinational companies have set up branches here, a number of State and Indian Government units including prestigious research and development as well as defense establishments have made Hyderabad their home. Their staff, drawn from all parts of the country, feel at home in the new environment and culture.

History

Centuries ago, Andhra Pradesh was a major Buddhist centre and part of Emperor Ashoka's sprawling kingdom. Not surprisingly, traces of early Buddhist influence are still visible in several places in and around the state. After the death of Emperor Ashoka, several dynasties from the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagaram kings, Qutb Shahis, Mughals and the Asaf Jahi's, ruled this princely city.

The history of Andhra Pradesh dates back to the epic era of the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha. But the documented history points to 236 BC, when Satavahana established a kingdom and a dynasty around the modern Hyderabad. During the reign of 450 years, Buddhism flourished in the kingdom. The rulers were followers of Brahmanism, but the women folk practiced Buddism. It was during this period that Buddhism spread from these shores to China, The far East and to Sri Lanka. The Ikshvakus succeeded the Satavahanas and ruled the kingdom for 57 years. The Pallavas annexed the area South of River Krishna and ruled till the end of 6th century.

Then came the dynasties of Chalukyas and the Kakatiyas. The Kakatiyas established themselves as rulers of a Telugu speaking people.  The glorious reign of the Kakatiyas came to end in the 14th century and for the first time Telugus came under a Muslim regime that brought with it a totally different set of customs, language and religion.

The Delhi Sultanate came in power in 1347 AD, governed by Allahuddin Hasan, claiming lineage to Bahman Shah of Persia, revolted against the Delhi Sultanate and declared himself ruler of the southern part of the territory, comprising mainly the Deccan and Telangana area.

It was somewhere around this time that the Qutub Shahi dynasty came into being when Sultan Quli, the Bahmani governor of Telangana, became independent and extend the new kingdom of Golconda right upto Machlipatnam on the east coast. Given the title of Quli-ul-Mulk by the Bahmanis, Qutub Shah, a descendant of a royal family of Hamdan in Persia, took over the reins and ruled till 1548.

Aurangazeb last Mogul king to rule India, conquered the Deccan in 1687 and left his governors, the Nizams, to rule Andhra. The British and French took over from the Nizams. Andhra became a part of Indian Union in 1947. The present state was formed in 1953, merging a part of the then Madras State (present Tamil Naidu) and the princely state of Hyderabad.

Heritage & Culture

The various dynasties that ruled the State of Andhra Pradesh, from the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagaram kings, Qutb Shahis, Mughals, to the Asaf Jahis, all have contributed significantly to the State's rich cultural tapestry and have left behind a heritage studded with spectacular monuments, temples, mosques, palaces all vibrant with arts, crafts, dance and literature.

The state has a rich cultural heritage. The great composers of carnatic music Annamacharya, Tyagaraja and many others chose Telugu as their language of composition, thus enriching the language. Kuchipudi is the state's classical dance form.Andhrites have been movie buffs decades. The state produces about 200 top notch movies per year.

 Andhra Pradesh has several museums, including the Salar Jung Museum, which features a varied collection of sculptures, paintings, and religious artifacts, and the Archaeological Museum, which features Buddhist and Hindu sculptures and other antiques; both museums are located in Hyderabad

The State is rich in natural resources, cultural heritage, history and most of all, an opportunity to explore them, created by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad with the Telugu speaking portions of the former state of Chennai, Andhra Pradesh to this day retains much of its regal glory and mystic charm. 

Telugu, the official language of Andhra Pradesh, is described by C.P. Brown as the " Italian of the East ". It has been influenced by Sanskrit. The prominent poets of Telugu include Nannaya, Tikkana, Sri Krishna Devarayulu and a host of others.

The dance styles in the State are based on the standard treatises, viz. Abhinaya Darpana and Bharatarnava of Nandikeshwara, which is sub-divided into Nattuva Mala and Natya Mala. 

Kuchipudi, a blend of music and abhinaya, is Andhra Pradesh‘s unique contribution to dance it have flowered from a village called Kuchelapuri or Kuchelapuram in Krishna district. From its birth around 300 B. C., it has remained a continuous and living tradition of this region, performed by men of the Brahmin community.

Arts & Crafts

In keeping with the rich traditions of the State, the people of Andhra Pradesh have patronised a host of arts and crafts that not only enrich the milieu but earn the artisans a decent livelihood. Kalamkari, Bidri, Nirmal paintings, fascinating weaves from Pochampalli, Gadwal, Venkatagiri and a number of other centres have earned a name all over the world.

The State is well known for its handlooms and textiles and its silk sarees are among the best produced in the country. The people of the State too have been patrons of the arts and crafts and this has resulted in the traditions being kept alive through the ages.

It is not only such exclusive and delicate material as silk that the artisans of Andhra Pradesh deal in, but metalware, carpets, wood and stone carving too. From the exquisite silver filigree and brass and sheet metalware, artisans of Andhra Pradesh strive to bring out the best and it is sheer magic when they get down to producing their ware.

Kalamkari, using a quill (kalam) and vegetable dyes, is an art found nowhere else but in and around Machilipatnam and Srikalahasti of the State. While the Srikalahasti style is to draw outlines with a pen or quill and fill in the colours through a wax process, the Machilipatnam practice is to use wooden blocks carved into designs for printing.

All dyes and colours are natural and the painstaking process of Kalamkari printing on fabric goes through as many as a dozen stages. 

Wall hangings come in another style from Siddipet in Medak district. This method, known as Batik, utilises the ‘cold’ process involving wax to create graphic designs and figures. Batik cloth also comes in the form of dress material, scarves and even sarees.

Cherial Scroll paintings done on cloth in earth colours is one of the traditional crafts practised mainly at Cherial in Warangal district. Painted in freestyle and depicting mythological stories, they are used as visual aids, and have attained great popularity as wall decorations.

Decorative hand-crocheted lace from Narsapur and Palakollu of West Godavari district adorns many a dining table in the form of mats. Curtains and bedspreads are some of the lacework produced here.





Sheets of Artistry
Metalware is another area in which the artisan of Andhra Pradesh excels. Be it the brass sheet metal of Pembarti in Warangal district, the silver filigree of Karimnagar, the Bidriware of Hyderabad or the bronze castings in Chittoor and East Godavari district, the artistry stands out to international acclaim and acceptance.

Bidriwork originated some three centuries ago at Bidar, which was part of the erstwhile Hyderabad State. Alloys are used in moulds to create shapes and the dark metal is then inlaid with designs using silver thread. Decorative pieces, bangles, ashtrays, pen-stands, caskets, cufflinks and paper-cutters are some of the Bidriware manufactured in and around Hyderabad.

From sheet metal to wood, craftsmen vie with each other to produce delicate and intricate designs. Wood carving in Chittoor district is one of the oldest traditional crafts. The carvings depict scenes from mythology as well as figures of deities.

In other parts of the State, wood carving is done to make musical instruments and in places like in Vizianagaram town and in Nuzvid of Krishna district, such instruments as Veena and Tambura are carved out of a single block of wood.

The Simple Wood
The soft wood available in many parts of the State is used in doll and toy making as well. The wooden figures are painted in bright colours that are pleasing to the eye.

Kondapalli is a small village in Krishna district and it is here that toys and dolls that have won international acclaim are made. The simple-looking

dolls depict the typical rural Indian life. Kondapalli dolls take the shape of humans, birds, animals and fruits.

The craftsmen of Nirmal too take advantage of the locally-available soft wood to carve brightly coloured vegetables, fruits and animals. Wooden dolls are made of the soft Poniki or Ankudu wood and Etikoppaka in Visakhapatnam district is another centre that makes exquisite dolls with a rustic touch.




Weaving Magic
An area that Andhra Pradesh excels in is Sarees. Silk and cotton and a mixture of both are used to create alluring weaves and designs. Pochampalli, Gadwal, Venkatagiri, Narayanpet and Chirala are some of the places where some of the world’s best sarees are woven.

Among the cottons, Narayanpet and Venkatagiri are preferred. Venkatagiri in Nellore district is known for its excellent cotton sarees with gold borders and large golden ‘pallav’. Narayanpet cotton sarees are less expensive and long-lasting. Silk sarees from Dhamavaram compare with the rich silks of Kancheepuram in broad borders with extensive gold ‘zari’ work.

In Pochampalli sarees of Nalgonda district adjoining Hyderabad, a unique method of tie-and-dye is used and this is known as ‘ikat’. Weavers in Andhra Pradesh have mastered the art of using cotton and silk alternately for warp (length) and weft (across). Known as ‘Himroo’, the art originated in Kashmir and was brought down south by Moghal rulers.




Pearls & Bangles
Shopping for bangles in the narrow bazaars of the Old City of Hyderabad is an experience one should not miss. Lac is used to manually create designs on glass bangles and the array in which they come is mind boggling. More romantic are the names given to sets of bangles by the local sellers.

Hyderabad is also known as the ‘city of pearls’. Though not close to the sea, Hyderabad has had a flourishing trade in pearls, as the Golconda kingdom was famous for its diamonds. The processing of pearls has been skillfully mastered in Hyderabad in that craftsmen can sort, refine and polish pearls with ease.

Andhra Pradesh has turned out to be a gem of a State even in the sphere of arts and crafts.

Cuisine

The rich heritage and culture of Andhra Pradesh are reflected in the culinary skills of its people. The mere mention of Andhra and Hyderabadi cuisine brings before the mind’s eye a wholesome meal accompanied by hot tasty pickles or ‘Biryani’ accompanied by an appetising aroma.

But there is more to the cuisine of the State with each of the three regions — Coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana — having its distinctive style of cooking. Chillies and spice are used in abundance but this need not deter food lovers from indulging themselves in a feast. By and large, the cuisine is vegetarian but the Moghal influence in the Deccan made ‘Moghlai’ cooking popular.

Moghlai
While Hyderabad is known for its wholesome Biryani and a wide range of non-vegetarian as well as vegetarian fare, the coastal region of the State offers a wide choice as far as vegetarian cooking and pickles are concerned. The chillies grown in the region are highly potent and this gives the special flavour to the pickles.

Those willing to let themselves go for Moghlai cooking can choose from a large variety. ‘Sheermal’, a local variety of bread, or tandoori roti baked on hot coals are on the starting line. The non-vegetarian dishes include ‘paya’ — hoof of lamb cooked over a slow fire overnight in a spicy soup so that by morning the bones become soft and chewable — and ‘zubaan’ — lamb tongue cooked in the same manner.

Haleem is pieces of boneless mutton cooked over a long period with pounded wheat to form a spicy porridge. Most of the dishes are available in the evening and before sunrise in hundreds of hotels and restaurants during the fasting month of Ramzan and are popular meals to break or begin the fast with.

And it is not only meat and fowl that Moghlai deals with. The brinjal or ‘eggplant’ that has no taste of its own is given a spicy, tangy flavour in the ‘bagara baigan’, using tamarind and spices. Dalcha is a watery dal in which ‘kaddu (pumpkin)’ or boneless mutton is used. ‘Bagara tamatar’ and ‘mirchi ka salan’ are equally rich in spice and chillies and `bagara khana’ makes up for the vegetarians who miss out on the biryani.


Hot Stuff
‘Avakai’ is the really hot and tangy mango pickle and there is hardly any household in the region that does not prepare it during the summer. The raw mangoes too are extremely sour and the pickle combined with the harsh chilli-powder and pungent mustard in oil gives it a heady taste.

Gongura, known as ‘ambada’ in Hindi and Urdu, is a sour-tasting leaf that goes into either ‘dal’ or is converted into a ‘chutney’ — another speciality in Andhra. Gongura chutney with either red or green chillies gives a taste hard to find elsewhere. You also find a lot of tasty non-vegetarian dishes blended with green leafy vegetables, like ‘palak mutton’, ‘methi chicken’, ‘kheema methi’ and ‘mutton ambada (Gongura)’, which has resulted from combination of Hyderabad and Andhra cuisine.

A typical Andhra meal has lots of chillies and is often accompanied by pickles. While raw mango pickle is the hot favourite, others include lemon, gooseberry, ‘Gongura’ and even ripe chillies pickles. Ripe red chillies and tamarind are used to make ‘chutney’ that is preserved throughout the year.

Curried prawns and fish with rice are specialities in many coastal Andhra towns and cities. Rice is the staple food in Andhra Pradesh and forms the main dish even in Moghlai cooking.


Something Sweet
Sweets and ‘kheer’ are not everyday affairs but form part of the meal on special occasions in any part of the State. It is mainly during festivities that full rein is given to the preparation. While `Sheer Khorma’ is the milky vermicelli sweet popular in Hyderabad, other dessert delicacies include "Double-ka-meetha (a bread pudding)" and "Khubani-ka-meetha", a syrupy speciality made with apricots and lots of sugar. In other parts of Andhra, a rice and milk delicacy is "ksheerannam" in which jaggery (gur) and powdered cardamom enhance the taste.

While Moghlai cuisine tops the list, Andhra food comes a close second. It is often that regular non-vegetarians break their routine by going in for a typical Andhra meal.

The cuisine of Andhra Pradesh is a gourmet’s delight, truly. Such delicacies are offered by the hotels, restaurants and dhabas in and around all major cities of the State.

Fairs & Festivals

Andhra Pradesh is a calendar of one long procession of festivals. Festivities here are characterized by color, gaiety, enthusiasm, feasts and a variety of prayers and rituals. Travelers and tourists are struck by the scale and multiplicity of the festivities that populate the cultural scene of this land. The state is famous for celebrating festival of every region and religion with equal pomp and gaiety. Be it the age old traditional Hindu festivals or the Muslim festivity of brotherhood or Christmas. The diversity of the state is manifested in its people, languages, religions and cultures. 

Fairs of Andhra Pradesh

Fairs are a part of a living heritage in Andhra Pradesh. These are events that are awaited throughout the year and careful planning goes into them, which  offers a thrilling experience to one's travel. In Andhra Pradesh many temple fairs are organised, of which the Brahmotsavam at Tirupati and the Sri Rama Navami Festival at Bhadrachalam are very popular. Devotees in large numbers attend these fairs. Andhra Pradesh Tourism organises fairs like the Lumbini Fair, Vishaka Utsav, Deccan Festival etc. that bring together the arts, crafts and cuisine of the various regions of the state.





SRIRAMA NAVAMI FESTIVAL AT BHADRACHALAM

Location: Bhadrachalam, Khammam District
Month: March-April
Occasion: Lord Srirama's Birthday
Unique Feature: Srirama Kalyanotsavam Is Being Practised From About 400
                        years continuously

The Srirama Navami Festival at Bhadrachalam is celebrated for ten days from 'Chaitra Suddha Saptami' to 'Bahula Padyami'. It is Sri Rama's birthday and the Kalyanotsavam celebrated during then attracts about three lakhs of devotees. It is a day of festivity for "Ramabhaktas".

The Grand Wedding Celebration
The temple celebrates the celestial wedding between Rama and Sita in a grand scale mimicking the actual event. The commentators role-play by arrogating themselves to either the bride's (Sita's) family or the bridegroom's (Rama's side). The role-play is complete in every aspect and includes every small detail, as much as human feelings are attributed to the deities - such as "Sita being shy and her cheeks blushing pink as she approaches Rama".

These celebrations are being practised from about 400 years ago, introduced during Tana Shah's rule continued even through the Nizam's rule and still continue to this day. All the jewels used are those made by 'Ramadas' and the natural sea water pearls used during the wedding ritual of 'Talambralu' still comes from an endowment created by the Nizam's trust.

This event is telecast live both on All India Radio and on Television for nearly three hours with good description in the commentary. The chief minister of the State also attends the Kalyanotsavam.

LUMBINI FESTIVAL - THE FESTIVAL OF BUDDHIST HERITAGE

Location: Nagarjunasagar, Hyderabad
Month:  2nd Friday Of December

Lumbini festival is organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh, in Nagarjunasagar and Hyderabad for three days from the 2nd Friday of December every year.

This festival highlights the 'Buddhist Heritage' of Andhra Pradesh. It is an excellent opportunity to discover the heritage that takes you back 2000 years in time.





PUSHKARAM OF GODAVARI, KRISHNA, PENNAR

Timing: Once In Twelve Years
Venue: Rajahmundry For Godavari Pushkaram, Vijayawada For Krishna
           Pushkaram And Kovur town In Nellore District For Pennar Pushkaram.

Pushkaram is held once in twelve years on the banks of the rivers Godavari, Krishna and Pennar in Andhra Pradesh. The Hindus consider a holy dip in these rivers sacred and so people gather in large numbers on the banks of these rivers, when the Pushkaram is held. Even before sunrise people take the sacred bath and offer prayers to the Lord.

Various rituals are performed and it is believed that a holy dip will wash away all their sins. Cultural programs are organised. Many shops come up in the nearby area selling jewellery, sweets, decorative items etc.

"Rajahmundry" is the venue of 'Godavari Pushkaram', Vijayawada for Krishna Pushkaram and Kovur town in Nellore district for 'Pennar Pushkaram'.



VISAKHA UTSAV

Location: Visakhapatnam
Timing: Third Friday to Saturday of January

Visakha Utsav is organised by A.P. Tourism every year from the third Friday to Sunday of January i.e. for three days in Vishakhapatnam. It's the festival special for 'Vizagites', in the cold month of January.

The festival is organized to bring together the arts, crafts and cuisine of Vishakhapatnam district .Visakha Festival comprises of a variety of cultural programmes, sport events, food fair, exhibitions, fashion shows, etc.




URS OF HAZRAT ALI

Location: 120-kms From Hyderabad
Held: Annually
Formerly Known As: Omkaram, Ahankarapattanam
Timing: October - November

Kohir town is situated at a distance of 12-km from Zahirabad and 120-kms from Hyderabad . This place was originally called as "Omkaram" and "Ahankarapattanam", but was changed into "Kohir" during the rule of the Muslims.

There is a famous Dargah of Hazrat Ali and the 'Urs' of the saint are held annually over here during the months of October - November and is attended by about 5,000 devotees.




DECCAN FESTIVAL 

Location: Hyderabad
Month: February
Duration: Five Days
Another Festivity: Pearls & Bangles Fair

Deccan Festival will be held at Qutub Shahi Tombs Hyderabad on Second Friday, Saturday & Sunday of April every year. 

This festival brings the choicest talent from the field of Music, Dance and Theatre. Ghazals, Mushairas, Qawwalis, Classical dances and Music. Reverberate in the air of Hyderabad. The Festival reflects the love the Hyderabad always had for art and Literature. The Deccan Festival essentially mirrors the glorious Qutub Shahi epoch.

Deccan festival is an exclusive festival sponsored by the Andhra Pradesh Department of Tourism in the month of February. This is a five-day festival reflecting the culture of the Deccan.

Cultural programs organised include Ghazals, qawalis and mushairas, poetry etc., typical of the city. Various renowned singers and dancers are invited for performances and this is a not to miss for every person who visits Hyderabad.




PEARLS & BANGLES FAIR 

This Deccan festival also includes the Pearls and Bangles Fair .

Hyderabad is also known as "The city of Pearls". Hyderabad pearls have long been cherished and famed for their quality and lustre. Mention the name of pearls to anyone in the jewellery trade in India and the name that strikes to mind is Hyderabad. The city is a one-stop-destination for the rare, luminescent, soft, tear drop pearls. Wide range, price and superior quality are some of the factors, which make the city a true pearls paradise. From cultured pearls to the rare 'Basra', the city has all of them.

A Royal Heritage
The pearl trade was prospered here for centuries under the royal patronage of the Qutub Shahi kings and the Asaf Jahis. Legend has it that pearls were showered on the people by the kings at the time of ceremonies as gifts. The affluent lifestyle beckoned many a craftsman from distant parts of the world, especially the Arabian Gulf where the rare original pearls are found in abundance. Hence, Hyderabad became the one-stop-destination for pearls.

This festival  celebrates the spirit of this heritage - Pearls and Bangles fair, displaying creations in lustrous pearls and multi-hued bangles that are local specialties, and a Food Fair, with items covering both Andhra and Hyderabadi cuisine. Cultural programs, food stalls, arts and craft shops etc. are well organized.


All India Festival Of Arts & Crafts At Shilparamam

Location: 14-km From Hyderabad
Month: December
Significance: Exhibits Arts And Crafts From All Parts Of The Country

Shilparamam, a Crafts Village set amidst lovely rocks, rippling waterfalls and gorgeous lawns, about 14-km from Hyderabad . Shilparamam plays host to myrid traditions of arts and crafts of India.

An International Event
It has become internationally famous for the Annual Crafts Festival that is being organised in the first two weeks of March every year since 1995. During these Festivals, craftspersons from across the country come here to display their exclusive creations.

Here buyers come and pick up objects directly from the makers with out having to deal with middlemen. In the past six years, the Arts and Crafts Festival elicited tremendous response. While the first such Arts and Crafts festival attracted people in tens of thousands the festival now attracts hundreds of thousands of people every day. Crafts people from all over the country sell their creations for crores.



ALL INDIA INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION AT HYDERABAD

Location: Nampally, Hyderabad
Held: Annually From 1st January To 10th February
Started In: 1938
Significance: One Of The Biggest Show-Window In The Country For Trade,
                   Commerce And Industry.

The All India Industrial Exhibition is organised by the Exhibition society at Nampally grounds in Hyderabad . This exhibition is held annually from 1st of January to 10th of February. It is one of the most prestigious events of Hyderabad city and it is customary for every Hyderabadi to make a visit to the exhibition with their family and friends.

Started in 1938 as a local exhibition, i.e. "Numaish", to display the indigenously produced goods in the erstwhile Hyderabad state.

A Trade Fair
The All India Industrial exhibition has today come to be recognised as one of the biggest show-window in the country for trade, commerce and Industry. This exhibition has become so popular, that its scope increased enormously both in its coverage and content. Traders from all over India put up their stalls and there are around 2600 stalls, and over 25 lakh visitors in the form of consumers, exhibitors, traders, etc.

Today almost all the state and central Government directly or through their undertakings are represented in this exhibition. It is a big open-air shopping mall with garments, handicrafts, electrical goods, glassware, furniture, kitchenware etc. There are also stalls selling popcorn, chat varieties, sweets, cool drinks, fleecy pink candy made of sugar etc. Children enjoy the joy rides like Gaint wheel, Tora Tora, Dragon ride and more.

It is open throughout the day, but usually people come in large numbers in the evenings. The shops are open up till midnight.

Festivals of Andhra Pradesh

Deepavali
History: Deepavali means row of lights. This festival is celebrated on the new moon day (Amavasya). It is believed that the demon Narkasura was killed on this day, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya on this day after slaying Ravana, Emperor Bali donated his kingdom to Vamana (avtar of Vishnu) on this day, King Vikramarka descended to his throne on this day. 

Deities worshipped: Goddess of wealth Lakshmi 

Celebrations: The festival is celebrated with pomp and gaiety by lighting of firecrackers and lamps all around. It is believed that 14 varieties of vegetables and leaves should be used in curries on this day.



Holi
Holi is celebrated on Purnima day in the month of Phalguna. According to a legend, when Siva was meditating, Manmadha (cupid) shot his darts at him to induce love in him for the good of the world. But Siva was incensed at the disturbance and opened his third eye and burnt Manmadha to ashes. Rathi Devi wife of cupid asked for mercy, but Siva said that it was not possible, but I grant one thing. He will put on his original form on Sukla Thrayodasi in the month of chaitra every year. As promised and blessed by Siva, Cupid assumes his original physical form on that day. 

A week or so before the punnami day, various sticks & logs of wood are collected and heaped at cross roads and a dummy of Manmadha with a short turban & moustaches is put up on the heap. Young men shout, scream, sing and dance around the fire. The next day is celebrated by throwing colored water or by applying gulal to friends. In Rayalseema, the districts bordering Karnataka observe this as "Kama Dhanam" by sprinkling colors at others.



Idd-Ul-Fitr
It is celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal, tenth lunar month of the Islamic calendar after a period of fasting which lasts for one whole month. The fast commences at 4 a.m. in the morning and lasts till the sun set every day. During the fasting period nothing is eaten or drunk. The fast is generally broken with dates or melons. The night of the 27th of Ramzan is called Lailut-ul-Qadar, as the Holy Quran is believed to have descended from heaven on that night. Hence that night is spent in reading the Quran. 

Celebrations: The Muslims prepare a special dish for Idd with milk & date palms called as Shir Khurma. For this occasion new clothes are made, bangles are purchased for girls; new caps, new shoes, new sherwanis and new turbans are made for male children.



Krishna Ashtami
Description: This festival is the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna.

Celebrations: On this day a mandapam is made and a "Utti" is hung in the center decorated with special festoons. This "Utti" is tied to a pulley, which is operated by one man, and group of persons try to break it amidst water being splashed by the on lookers. Various fruits are collected & tied over the Mandapam. An idol of infant Krishna is placed in the mandapam. After the puja Krishna’s idol is put in a cradle and moved back and forth.

The special offering of the day is butter mixed with jaggery & dry ginger. The fast is broken the next day. In some villages, pots of curd & buttermilk are hung from the branch of a tree and people throw stones at the pots and get drenched trying to break the pot.


Maha Sivarathri
Description: Mahasivarathri means the great night of Siva. It is believed that Lord Siva was born in the form of a lingam on the night of Krishna Chaturdasi (14th day of the dark fortnight). 

On this day after bath a lingam is placed in the mandapam. It is then worshipped with bel leaves (Aegle marmelos maaredu). In the evening the devotees take bath & go to the Siva temple & chant Siva’s name continuously, listen to Siva’s stories & remain awake the whole night & break their fast the next day.


Milad-Un-Nabi
Description: Muhammadeans fast on this day in memory of the death of Hazrat Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam. Religious assemblies are held both during day and night in mosques and in the houses of pious men, where an account of the birth of Prophet Muhammad and his miracles are recited. At the close of the function sweetmeats are distributed. 

Month of Rajjab: It is celebrated to mark birthday of Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII. On his birthday the Nizam used to pray twice in the Public Garden mosque.


Muharram
Description:It is celebrated to commemorate the martyrdom of Hasan and Hussain, the two sons of Hazrat Ali Bin Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammed. The elder son Hasan was poisoned by his own wife and his younger brother Hussain and all his male companions except an ailing son were killed at Kerballa on the 10th of Muharram in a battle against the army of Yazid. 

In Hyderabad, the festival begins when the new moon makes its appearance in the month of Muharram by the beating of drums. This festival generally lasts for ten days, but in Hyderabad it continues till the fourteenth day after the 10th Muharram. On this day groups of persons beg alms from door-to-door reciting the story of the martyrdom. 

During the festival, sunnis wear green clothes and the shias are in black as a sign of mourning. The shia women abstain from wearing ornaments, do not comb their hair, and even remove the bangles from their hands to exhibit sign of grief. This is widely observed in Rayalseema even by Hindus who regard "peers" as sacred.


Vijaya Dasami (Dasara) 
Date : 2004-10-22 
Vijaya means victory and Dasami means tenth day. Sri Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu killed the demon king, Ravana of Lanka on this day. It is also believed that Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura on Vijaya Dasami day. 

All Hindus worship the Goddess of education Saraswathi on this day. Kshatriyas worship their arms on this day. Students place their books at the feet of the deity. Artistes, wrestlers, peddlers, hawkers, nomads and all sections of people have their own way of worshipping Durga Devi on this day. The Vijayanagara rulers used to observe the festival with gaiety, honouring men of letters.


Christmas
Date : 2004-12-25 
Christmas is a festival, which is celebrated all over the world. The cold winter brings with it a feeling of joy and excitement in the city and towns all over the world. As every where in the world, in India also the celebration of Christmas has always been, and continues to be, a season time to spend golden moments with family and friends, make new resolutions and receive the much coveted gifts of their choice. 

Christians in Andhra Pradesh celebrate their festivals broadly on the pattern adopted worldwide. However some influence of local Indian tradition is evident among Syrian Christians who use elephants, umbrellas and traditional music as accessories to their festivities and celebrations. Christmas is a major event in all-Indian Christian households. 

Christians recall the glorious day when Jesus Christ came into the world to be with them and save people from the sins. Christmas began to be celebrated on 25th December although nobody is sure about the birthday of Jesus Christ. 

The churches are filled with people who sing songs and pray and celebrate making goodies and the mouth-watering Christmas cake that tickle the taste buds. The elders go into reverie recalling the sweet memories of the past and get busy with decorations.


Nagapanchami or Nagula Cahvithi
Description: Nagamuni means Cobra, the king of snakes. On this day King Cobra is worshipped. It is essentially a woman’s festival. Two special edible items are prepared for this festival.

Chimmili: A small ball made of sesame grains and jaggery 

Chalimidi: A sweet rice cake with jaggery 

A seven-headed cobra’s image is put on a mandapam in the house and worshipped with oleander flowers. Women, children & teenage girls wearing bright coloured clothes and ornaments put all the puja things in big brass plates and go to an ant hill to receive the blessings of Naga (Snake god) and pour milk. Ladies fast on this day.


Sankranthi
Description: This is the festival of peasants. It is celebrated when the sun passes from Sagittarius to Capricorn & the transition is called Makara Sankranthi. A month before the festival the harvesting of crops begins. 

Gangireddula Vadu: He comes with a colorfully dressed pet bull. The bull sways its head, dances, sits and stands and does things in accordance with the rhythm of the music and commands of its master. 

The first day is called as Bhogi. On this day before sunrise youngsters collect dry twigs, grass, waste paper etc., make a heap & light a bonfire. Women and girls draw patterns on the ground using mortar powder. They make Gobbemmas i.e., lumps of cowdung and place it on the drawings in front of their houses. People pick up some ash from the bhogi fire & rub it on their foreheads. 

The special dish of the day is Pongal, a mixture of husked greengram and rice with salt and pepper powder cooked in a pot. 

The second day is the actual Sankranthi day. In the evening men & women go to their neighbors and relatives to offer sesame seeds, sugar & sugarcane pieces. 

Kanumu the third day is celebrated as a cattle festival. On this day the peasants wake up early to bathe their cattle & paint their horns with bright colors and tie bells around their necks. Some farmers go out to their fields, sacrifice a goat or a sheep and sprinkle the blood in their fields. Still some others take cooked rice and milk to the cattle shed offer some of it to the cattle and take the remainder to their fields and scatter it there. They believe that this offering keeps the ghosts away from their crops. In the villages on this day cockfights are held.


Sri Rama Navami
Description: This day is celebrated as the birth of Lord Rama. People awake early in the morning, take oil and hot water bath, wear new clothes, raise a temporary mandapam & put some rice and a few betel leaves on it. In this mandapam are installed the idols of Sri Rama, Sita Devi, Lakshmana and Hanuman. Panakam, a beverage made with a mixture of new jaggery, cardamoms, black pepper powder and water is prepared. 

Sri Rama Navami is also observed as the marriage day of Rama and Sita. At night the story of Rama is recited or sung by a traditional performer called Harikathakudu or Haridasa.

On this day a special scene takes place on the outskirts of Vishakhapatnam, the district capital on the East Coast where there is a famous harbour. Near the town cheap makeshift huts are built. After the completion of celebrations a man disguising himself as Hanuman sets fire to the makeshift village called as Lanka the capital of Ravana.


Ugadi
Description: Ugadi is the Telugu New Year day. It is specially associated with Pacchadi (chutney) in telugu. The chutney is prepared with tender flowers of neem, jaggery or sugar & new tamarind. The whole family has to eat the chutney. The chutney is offered to the deity first and then eaten by the members of the family.

Celebration:The whole family wears new clothes. Around 3.00 p.m. a brahmin sits on the pail outside the front yard door & recites the panchangam. All the nearby residents gather to listen to him about the new year, rain fall, agriculture, prices, education, eclipses, and auspicious days for marriages, health and astrological forecasts for the individuals and the community based upon the planetary position. In the evening many competitions are held like bullock-cart races, physical duels, lifting of heavy weights, running races, card games and so on.


VaraLaxmi Vratam
Description: This is a religious vow observed in the name of Varalakshmi (Lakshmi, consort of Lord Vishnu). It is celebrated on Friday before the full moon in the month of Sravana.

Celebration: On this particular Friday housewives wake up early, finish their mangalasnanam, wear new clothes and decorate their front yard with rangoli patterns on it. Later a small pandal is erected with plantain trunks and festoons are tied on its upper parts. A small copper vessel filled with water, coconut and three betel leaves (Kalasam) is placed on a stool. The Kalasam is worshipped by sprinkling flowers and rice mixed in turmeric powder. 

After worshipping, the idol or picture of Lakshmi is put behind the vessel or in the vessel itself. Flowers and turmeric mixed rice are sprinkled on the idol or picture & sandalwood mixed rice is offered. After burning of incense, nine threads twisted together are worn round the right wrist as a bracelet. Fruits and cooked flour dishes are offered to at least 5 housewives, elders and others.


Vinayaka Chavithi
History: One day Parvathi, wife of Lord Siva made a boy with turmeric & breathed life into it. She then asked the boy to guard the door till she took her bath. The boy was instructed not to allow any one to enter. When Siva came and tried to open the door, the boy objected to it. In a fit of anger Siva severed the boy’s head with his Trishul. When Parvathi came to know what had happened to the boy she began to weep. 

Seeing this Siva’s heart melted and he promised to put back life into the boy. After a massive search Siva’s disciples could find the head of an elephant to fix on the boy’s body. From then on he was called Gajanan, the elephant-headed boy. From this day is celebrated as birth of Lord Ganesha. The idol of the Lord is worshipped for 10 days and on the eleventh day it is immersed in river or sea amidst a huge procession.