Festivals in Andhra Pradesh

Celebrated on January 15, Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival that holds special significance in Andhra Pradesh. As an Andhra Pradesh festival, this day marks the end of the winter and the start of longer days. People celebrate by flying kites, preparing sweets, and gathering with family and friends. Devotees offer prayers to the Sun God, seeking blessings for prosperity and health. Traditional customers, vibrant decorations, and festive meals make Makar Sankranti a cherished celebration across the region. 

Observed on January 28, Bhishma Ashtami is dedicated to Bhishma Pitamaha, one of the revered figures from the Mahabharata. This festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh is significant for those seeking blessings for courage and strength. Devotees observe fasts and participate in special prayers and rituals, particularly along riverbanks, to honour Bhishma’s sacrifice. Many people perform ‘tarpan’ for ancestors and offer ‘Tilanjali’ to Bhishma Pitamaha, believing these rituals bless the departed souls. Bhishma Ashtami is a spiritual day of devotion, helping people strengthen their connection with family and heritage. 

Falling on March 8, Maha Shivratri is celebrated with deep reverence by the people of Andhra Pradesh. This famous festival of Andhra Pradesh commemorates the night Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. Devotees fast and visit temples, especially where Lord Shiva is worshipped. All-night vigils and ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ chanting are common rituals, symbolising devotion and humility. In Andhra Pradesh, Maha Shivratri is observed with fervent prayers and cultural programs, bringing communities together. For many, the festival is a spiritual event that offers them inner peace and blessings, making it a cherished occasion in Andhra Pradesh.

Ugadi, marking the Telugu New Year, will be celebrated on April 9 and is a prominent Andhra Pradesh festival name. Ugadi signifies a fresh start, with families decorating their homes, preparing special dishes, and praying for a prosperous year. Traditional foods like Ugadi Pachadi are enjoyed and are a mix of flavours symbolising life’s varied experiences. It’s a time for cultural performances, music, and community gatherings as the people of Andhra Pradesh embrace the new beginnings that Ugadi brings.

Observed on April 17, Sri Rama Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, an avatar of Vishnu. Known as one of the beloved Andhra Pradesh festivals, this day is celebrated with devotion and joy. Temples are adorned with flowers, and devotees gather for processions, special prayers, and storytelling of the Ramayana. People prepare and share prasad, offering it to Lord Rama while seeking blessings for peace and righteousness.

Chandan Yatra is a significant celebration in Andhra Pradesh held on May 30-31. This festival in Andhra Pradesh marks the cooling of Lord Jagannath and other deities with sandalwood paste to combat the summer heat. During the yatra, idols are smeared with fragrant sandalwood paste and carried in beautifully decorated boats on the water, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere. Pilgrims gather to witness this traditional ritual and participate in prayers, celebrating the bond between humans and the divine. The festival is a unique representation of the cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh and is a must-experience for devotees.

Bonalu is a vibrant and traditional festival celebrated in Telangana, particularly in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, and holds cultural significance for the people of Andhra Pradesh as well. This festival, usually held in July-August, is dedicated to Goddess Mahakali and involves devotees offering “bonam” (a meal made of rice, jaggery, and curd) in decorated clay pots, symbolising gratitude for protection and blessings. Bonalu celebrations include colourful processions, drumming, dancing, and rituals that showcase Telangana’s rich cultural heritage. The event is marked by women carrying the Bonam pots to temples, where prayers are offered and rituals are conducted to seek divine blessings. Known as one of the famous festivals of Andhra Pradesh, Bonalu is a joyous display of devotion and tradition.

Vinayak Chaturthi, observed on September 7, is a major celebration in Andhra Pradesh that honours Lord Ganesha, the god of prosperity and wisdom. As a main festival of Andhra Pradesh, devotees install beautifully crafted Ganesha idols in homes and public places, performing rituals and aarti to seek blessings for a prosperous life. The festival is marked by music, dance, and processions as devotees immerse idols in water bodies, symbolising the cycle of creation and dissolution. The festive spirit, grand processions, and prayers make Vinayak Chaturthi a significant part of the state’s cultural fabric.

Running from October 4-12, Tirumala Brahmotsavam is one of the grandest festivals of Andhra Pradesh held in Tirupati. This festival attracts thousands of pilgrims who come to witness the divine procession of Lord Venkateswara’s idols on different vahanas (chariots). The event features elaborate rituals, temple decorations, and traditional music, creating a mesmerising and spiritually charged ambience. Devotees believe that participating in Brahmotsavam brings blessings and prosperity, making it an iconic festival that showcases Andhra Pradesh’s devotion and spirituality.

Durga Ashtami, celebrated on October 9, holds special significance in Andhra Pradesh as part of the Dussehra festival. Known as a famous festival in Andhra Pradesh, Durga Ashtami is dedicated to Goddess Durga, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Devotees offer prayers and fast and participate in cultural programs to honour the goddess. Temples are adorned with lights, flowers, and traditional decorations, and the vibrant puja rituals attract large gatherings. Durga Ashtami reflects the state’s rich cultural heritage, making it an important festival in Andhra Pradesh’s festive season.

Celebrated on October 12, Mahanavami marks a grand finale to the Navaratri festival in Andhra Pradesh. This day holds spiritual significance as it commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Devotees engage in traditional rituals, pujas, and processions at temples, with the Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada hosting elaborate celebrations. Many families perform Ayudha Puja, where they worship their tools and vehicles. Known as the main festival of Andhra Pradesh, Mahanavami also includes cultural programs, dance performances, and feasts. It's a day of joy, family gatherings, and deep reverence, making it a memorable part of Andhra’s vibrant festival calendar.

Observed on October 31, Diwali is a festival of lights that fills homes across Andhra Pradesh with warmth and happiness. People celebrate this day by lighting lamps, bursting fireworks, and decorating homes with colourful rangolis. Traditionally, Diwali symbolises the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, but in Andhra Pradesh, it also honours the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. As one of the famous festivals of Andhra Pradesh, Diwali is a time for family gatherings, gift exchanges, and delicious sweets. The streets and temples are beautifully lit, adding to the festive spirit and creating a vibrant atmosphere that locals and visitors enjoy.

Celebrated on November 4, Nagula Chavithi is a unique festival in Andhra Pradesh dedicated to worshipping serpents, particularly Naga Devata, the serpent god. Devotees, especially women, observe fasts and offer milk, flowers, and turmeric at serpent shrines, praying for their family’s health and prosperity. This festival holds cultural importance, symbolising people's close connection with nature. Known as one of the festivals in Andhra Pradesh, Nagula Chavithi is primarily observed in rural areas, where people revere the divine powers of snakes as protectors. The day reflects the state’s deep-rooted traditions and devotion, making it a fascinating and spiritually enriching experience.

Kartika Purnima, observed on November 15, is a sacred full-moon festival in Andhra Pradesh that marks the end of Kartika month. This day is celebrated by performing pujas, lighting lamps, and taking holy dips in rivers or water bodies at dawn. Devotees also visit temples, especially Lord Shiva temples, to seek blessings. Known as a famous festival of Andhra Pradesh, Kartika Purnima holds cultural and spiritual significance as it honours the deities and strengthens faith. Families gather to perform rituals together, and many participate in community celebrations, making it a heartwarming festival rooted in ancient traditions.

Celebrated on December 25, Christmas is widely observed across Andhra Pradesh, especially in areas with vibrant Christian communities. On this day, churches are beautifully decorated, and midnight mass is a central part of the celebrations. Families gather for festive meals, and children receive gifts from “Santa Claus,” adding a joyful touch. Known as one of the festivals of Andhra Pradesh, Christmas here combines local customs with traditional Christian practices, creating a unique blend. The festive decorations, carol singing, and community gatherings make Christmas an inclusive and cherished occasion, welcoming people from all backgrounds to celebrate the season's joy.

The Lumbini Festival, celebrated from December 10 to 12, is unique in Andhra Pradesh, honouring the state’s rich Buddhist heritage. Held near Nagarjuna Sagar in the Lumbini area, this festival commemorates the teachings of Lord Buddha and showcases the ancient Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh. As a main festival of Andhra Pradesh, the event features cultural performances, art exhibits, and Buddhist rituals, drawing devotees and tourists alike. The Lumbini Festival offers a glimpse into the state’s historical significance as a centre of Buddhism, celebrating peace and harmony, and Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.