Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has a mix culture. Due to large number of employment opportunities a large number of people from different parts of the country can be found here. They all leave in religious harmony and peace. The major religion of this place is Hinduism. But people also follow other religions. The Major language is Telugu but most of the people know English and Hindi as well. It is also rich in its traditional art and dance forms i.e. the Carnatic music and dance. The major festivals celebrated over here are Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Onam and Pongal.

Fairs and Festivals of Andhra Pradesh:

The fairs and festivals in Andhra Pradesh is a mirror of the lifestyle of the people of Andhra Pradesh. These fairs and festivals attract a large number of visitors from all over the world throughout the year. Some of the major fairs and festivals of Andhra Pradesh are:

• Tirupati Festival: Tirupati is one of the famous and the richest temples in Andhra Pradesh as well as India. The Tirupati Festival is a symbol of a famous pilgrimage temple at Tirupati, and is attended by a large number of devotees throughout the year. Many events and festivals light up the hilltop at Tirupati.

• Brahmotsavam: Brahmotsavam, is a major Hindu festival which is celebrated every year at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and is associated with Lord Brahma. The festival derives its name from Lord Brahma since it was Lord Brahma who first conducted this festival at Tirupati temple.

• Deccan Festival: Deccan Festival is the most colorful of all the festivals in Andhra Pradesh and is celebrated every year for 5 days, organized by The tourism Department of Andhra Pradesh, to keep alive the tradition and culture of the Deccan area. The whole state comes alive with a riot of colors, music, spices and fairs.

• Lumbini Festival: The Lumbini Festival is celebrated in Nagarjunsagar in Andhra Pradesh every year to keep alive the Buddhist Heritage alive in the state. It is organised by the Department of Tourism of the Government of Andhra Pradesh every year for three days.

• Maha Shivratri Festival: Maha Shivaratri is a major festival dedicated to Lord Shiva celebrated throughout the country in different places and in different ways. In Andhra Pradesh, it is celebrated at mainly Kalahasti, in Sri Kalahasteshwara Temple and at Srisailam in the temple of Bharamarambha Malikarjunaswamy Temple. The Maha Shivaratri means ‘Night of the Shiva’ and it is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva married Parvati. 

• Makara Sankranti: ‘Makara Sankranti’ is a major festival celebrated to mark the beginning of the harvesting season in India and in Andhra Pradesh, the Makara Sankranti is celebrated for three days. 

• Pongal is celebrated every year to mark the beginning of Uttarayana, that is the movement of the sun towards north and to mark the time for harvest. And is celebrated for four days with a lots of enthusiasm and zeal in almost every household. Pongal is celebrated all over south India. 

• Ugadi Festival: The Ugadi Festival in Andhra Pradesh is celebrated to mark the celebration of New Year festival and marks the beginning of the Hindi Lunar calendar. 

Must Visiting Places in Andhra Pradesh:

• Amravati: Amaravati is the new capital for Andhra Pradesh, which is known as the riverfront city, situated on the southern banks of the Krishna River in Guntur district. It was an important historical region which was served as the capital of the Satavahana kingdom in ancient days.

• Archaeological Museum, Amaravati: It is located on the right side of the River Krishna, and is important for the history of Indian Art, since the museum showcases the immense wealth of Amaravati in the form of historical pieces of art and crafts. The Buddha sculptures that are displayed in the museum date back to the beginning of the 3rd century.

• Anantapur: Anantapur is one of the major town of Andhra Pradesh, located on National Highway 44, about 356 kms from Hyderabad. It is one of the historical city of this region, which is the home of various historical monuments including ancient temples, forts etc.

• Bhimesvara Temple, Kakinada: Is located at the region of East Godavari, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and situated in Samalkota, 28kms from Kakinada city. This holy destination is rectangular in shape and there are several writings in the temple that shows that the village was earlier called as Chalukya Bhimavaram.

• Shri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple, Kakinada: The temple is in Sarpavaram, near Kakinada. Is devoted to God Bhavanarayana, the second name for Lord Vishnu, and is irrefutably a very famous place to visit.

• Araku Valley: Araku Valley is one of the most beautiful a Hill station of Andhra Pradesh in India in Visakhapatnam district. This picturesque town is situated at 115 kilometers from Visakhapatnam. 

• Guntur: Guntur is in Andhra Pradesh and is the largest city and civil centre of the state. There are many astounding places which are historically significant such as the Bhattiprolu and Sitanagaram in Guntur. Guntur is very significant for Buddhists as it is said that Buddha himself featured the first Kalachakra at this location. 

• Kakinada: Located on the banks of River Godavari, Kakinada is fourth most populous city of Andhra Pradesh.  It is said that it got its name from demon Kakasura who was slain here by Lord Rama. Kakinada is known for Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a wildlife sanctuary and estuary situated in Kakinada.

• Kurnool: Once capital of Andra State, Kurnool is often referred as The Gateway of Rayalaseema. The town, although laidback, is home to many ancient monuments, palaces and temples. It is the home of various ancient architecture and historical monuments. Kurnool are known for the ruins of a mediaeval fort that was constructed during the reign of the great Vijayanagar Empire. 

• Kondaveedu Fort, Guntur: The fort is situated around 12km from Guntur and can be reached easily via well-maintained roads. Many people visit the fort to enjoy the scenic beauty amidst which the fort has been built. Some tourists also prefer trekking and hiking in the area because the terrain is suitable for doing so. 

• Srisailam: Situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh of Kurnool district, Srisailam is home to renowned Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple which is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India. Mallikarjuna Temple lies on the flat top of Nallamala Hills. 

• Tirupati: Tirupati is one of the holiest pilgrim destination for Hindus, located in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It referred to as the "Spiritual Capital of Andhra Pradesh". The city is known for Venkateswara Temple, which is the landmark of this city, located in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati. Constructed over a period starting from 300 AD, it is one of the most amazing Dravidian architecture.

• Vijaywada: Situated on the banks of the Krishna River, Vijayawada is one of the major city of Andhra Pradesh. It is also known as "The Business Capital of Andhra Pradesh" as it is one of the major trading and business centers of the state. Literally meaning of the city is ‘place of victory', which belongs to some mythological legends, as it is believed that that Arjuna (the legend of epic Mahahabharata) was blessed by Lord Shiva at the top of the Indrakeeladri Hill and then he established Vijayawada. 

The major cuisine of Andhra Pradesh is famous for its tangy, hot and spicy taste. Andhra Pradesh state is the leading producer of red chili, rice and Telangana state is millets in India influences the liberal use of spices — making the food one of the richest and spiciest in the world. Vegetarian as well as meat and seafood (coastal areas) are the major food of the region. Curries are cooked with Dal (lentils), tomato and tamarind. Spicy and hot varieties of pickles form an important part of Telugu cuisine. Unlike other cities it is also rich in its Traditional cuisine. Some of the major dishes include Idli, Dosa, Upma, Murku, Booralu, Putharekulu and Pulihara..