Fairs and Festivals of Andhra Pradesh

Fairs and Festivals of Andhra Pradesh

• Today festivals are considered to contribute significantly to the cultural and economic development of the Andhra Pradesh.
• The festivals have major impact on the development of cultural tourism to the host communities.
• The festival organisers are now using the historical and cultural themes to develop the annual events to attract visitors and creating cultural image in the host cities by holding festivals in the community settings.
• The desire for festivals and events is not specifically designed to address the needs for any one particular group.
• The hosting of events is often developed because of the tourism and economic opportunities in addition to social and cultural benefits.
• Many researchers have contested that local community’s play vital role in development of tourism through festivals.
• Andhra Pradesh by nature is ceremonious.
• Either a feast or a festival, a domestic ceremony or a public ritual, either auspicious or inauspicious, they always shared joy or sorrow, enjoy fun and frolic with sanctity and devotion with emotion and sentiment as the situation or occasion warrants with all other members of the community or Society in which they live.
• As they are relatively more emotional and sentimental they perform every festival or a ritual with sobriety, sanctity and gaiety it deserves. Sociologically speaking, ancient people ever since they gave up their nomadic life and became settlers opted for agriculture as their main occupation.
• Many of the festivals and other ceremonies are closely associated with the agricultural operations conducted in different seasons in a year.
• In course of time such events became traditions and transformed as festivals.

STATE LEVEL FESTIVALS

Theme Based Festivals

Shankaranthi (January)

• Pongal Date is the winter solstice in the Hindu solar calendar.
• It is manifest by the passing of the sun into the sign Capricorn.
• Pongal is celebrated on this date itself and also to celebrate the approaching of spring.
• There are several ways of calculating the Hindu solar calendar, so Pongal date may vary by up to one day in various parts of India depending whether local tradition dictates the use of the old or new Hindu calendar or astronomical tables.

Ugadi (April)

• ‘Ugadi’ as the forename ‘Yug-Adi’ suggests is celebrated on the first day of the first month of Telugu Year i.e. Chaitram.
• This day is notable as New Year Day by the people of Andhra Pradesh.
• This day is recognized for its ‘Ugadi Pacchadi’ preparation comprising of six tastes (shadruchi sammelan), each standing for a special character a man experiences in life.
• The ingredients of this preparation, though of different tastes or characters when mixed in definite magnitude result in a delicious dish.
• The underlying idea conveys that the six faces of life mentioned underneath, should be handled by man and impartial in such a way as to make his life a beautiful one on earth.

Ganesh Chaturthi (August-September)

• Vinayak Chaturthi is celebrated with a lot of passion and excitement in Hyderabad.
• Vinayak Chaturthi is celebrated to memorialize the day the Lord Ganesha or Vinayak was born.
• This festival is celebrated with a lot of commitment and devotion throughout the country and especially in Andhra Pradesh and Hyderabad.
• It is customary to put up a mammoth statue of the Lord Ganesha at the Khairatabad in Hyderabad.

Shivratri (February-March)

• Maha Shivratri is celebrated with spiritual fervor all over the country.
• Maha Shivratri falls on the 13th (or 14th) day of the shady half of ‘Phalgun’ (February-March).
• The literal meaning of Shivratri is “the night of Shiva Devotees accept as true that Lord Shiva was tied in knot with Parvati, on the fortunate day of Shivratri.
• Devotees pray to Lord Shiva and sing Shiva hymns for whole night.
• Special programs are planned on the occasion at Shiva temples all over the country.
• Mhashivratri is observed in great admiration not only in India but also in Nepal and Mauritius.
• Grand festivities are observed at Sri Kalahasti temple in Andhra Pradesh on the occurrence of Mahashivratri.

Diwali (October-November)

• Andhra Pardesh is one of the oldest states of India and was created by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad with the Telgu-speaking portions of the past state of Madras.
• Andhra Pradesh has conventional way of celebrating Diwali that is organized and celebrated throughout the state.
• The festival of Light is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh mutually with other places of the country.
• It is a festival that revolves around Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. During the festival the whole country explodes into colour and noise.

Dusherra

• The festival of Goddess Durga Devi, the demolisher of evil, the incarnation of Goddess Parvathi Devi.
• This festival is celebrated for nine days, with Garba dances and Dandia Ras by the members of the Gujarati community, which go on the whole night.
• Even the Bengalis of late have begun to showcase their fun loving instincts at different venues in the city where cultural programmes are held.
• As this festival is an significant one, all schools and educational institutions are closed for 10-12 days.
• One interesting aspect is the “Bommala Kolluvu”, a exhibit of dolls that are a heirloom, in every household till Diwali.

Holi

• The most colourful festival in the Indian calendar, a day on which vibrant coloured water and powder is tarnished on everybody.
• The riot of colours is a sign to behold and the celebrations really unmatched, with no one being spared and everyone being game.
• This festival is on a full moon night when a figure called “Nathuram” is burnt.
• In the villages the beacon is made of the scarecrow and hay, whilst in the city people make do with old furniture.

Mahakaali Jaathra

• Pertaining and limited to the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh.
• A festival celebrated in the month of Aashad, which falls during the monsoon season of the calender.
• A exclusive, exciting and an important festival, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Maha Kali.
• During this 2 day festival the idol of the deity is taken around in a demonstration, amidst vivacious drum beats and burning of incense.
• Guardians of the deity called “Potharajus”, with their bodies tarnished with turmeric and vermilion, present a scary sight with whips in their hands.

Deccan Festival

• Every year courteous Hyderabad comes alive during the Deccan Festival.
• There are cultural programmes with ghazal nights, qawalis and mushairas, distinctive of the city.
• A pearl and bangle fair displays creations in lustrous pearls and multi-hued bangles which are local specialties.
• A food fest serves the best of Hyderabad’s famed gastronomy to visitors.

Lumbini Festival (December)

• The Lumbini Festival in Andhra Pradesh is celebrated every year, to relive the Heritage of Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism in the Andra Pradesh.
• Lumbini Festival in Andhra Pradesh, celebrated in Nagarjunasagara in Hyderabad.
• Lumbini is the place where Gautama Buddha was born, and one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage site.
• This Lumbini festival is organized by the Department of Tourism of the Government of Andhra Pradesh every year for these three days, to highlight the Buddhist intuition of the state.

Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival (October)

• The Rayalaseema food and dance Festival is organized in the state of Andhra Pradesh every year in the month of October.
• It is one of the principal and most extensively celebrated cultural festivals of Andhra Pradesh.
• As the name suggests the main aim of the festival is to respect and celebrate the prosperous and wonderful art and cuisine of Rayalaseema area of Tirupati in the Chitoor District of Andhra Pradesh.

Visaka (Mid January)

• Visakha Utsav is very important for the citizens of Vishakhapatnam.
• The fair portrays the many prospective present in the region.
• Huge number of people throngs at the intended venues to enjoy cultural programs, Sports activities and cuisine competitions and arrangements from far and near.

Christmas

• The birthday celebration of Jesus Christ begins on Christmas Eve, with midnight Mass and Prayers at most of the churches, and everyone dressed in their ceremonial dress.
• Dances and Balls are held all over the city in Clubs, Hotels, Resorts, etc.
• Irrespective of religion, everybody is in the Atmosphere to celebrate.
• There are fairs, fetes, melas ,etc held all over town and celebrations is the name of the game.

ID-UL-FITR

• The most holy festival for the Muslims, the sacred month of Ramzan is spent in prayers (5 times a day).
• Fasting is a must from dawn to twilight.
• As the sun sets, Hyderabad comes breathing with the aromas of Haleem/Hareez, a spicy wheat dish cooked with lamb or chicken.
• Every Irani hotel (found in all street corners), has a enormous vessel ensconced in a brick oven, dishing out this famous delicacy.
• Along with this dish all the other specialties of Hyderabad are made available right through the night.
• In fact the city doesn’t sleep during this thirty day episode, which also has the 3 Jagne-ki -Raats.

Brahmotsavam (September and October)

• Tirumala Brahmotsavam is a Hindu festival celebrated annually at Tirumala Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.
• The festival continues for 9 days in the months of September and October every year.
• It is assumed that Lord Brahma was the first to start Brahmotsavam festival.
• He worshiped Sri Balaji on the banks of the Pushkarini in Tirupati to thank him for the safety of mankind. Hence the festival names as ‘Brahmotsavam’ which means Brahma’s Utsav.

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Andhra Pradesh is a state in the south-eastern region of India. It is the seventh-largest state in India by area and the tenth-largest by Population. The state is home to a diverse range of cultures and religions, and its festivals reflect this diversity.

Some of the most popular festivals in Andhra Pradesh include:

• Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival that is celebrated on January 14 or 15. It is a time to thank the sun god for a bountiful harvest. The festival is celebrated with kite flying, feasting, and bathing in holy rivers.
• Pongal is a four-day harvest festival that is celebrated in January or February. The first day of Pongal is called Bhogi, when people clean their homes and get rid of old things. The second day is called Surya Pongal, when people worship the sun god. The third day is called Mattu Pongal, when people worship cattle. The fourth day is called Kaanum Pongal, when people visit friends and family.
• Ratha Yatra is a chariot festival that is celebrated in July or August. The festival commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath, a Hindu deity, from his home in Puri to his aunt’s house in Bhubaneswar. The festival is celebrated with processions, music, and dancing.
• Buddha Jayanti is a festival that celebrates the birth of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The festival is celebrated on April 8 or 9. It is a time to reflect on Buddha’s teachings and to practice compassion and kindness.
• Ugadi is a new year’s festival that is celebrated in March or April. The festival marks the beginning of the Telugu calendar. It is a time to celebrate the coming of spring and to pray for a prosperous new year.
• Rama Navami is a festival that celebrates the birth of Rama, a Hindu deity. The festival is celebrated in April or May. It is a time to celebrate Rama’s victory over the demon Ravana.
• Hanuman Jayanti is a festival that celebrates the birth of Hanuman, a Hindu deity. The festival is celebrated in April or May. It is a time to celebrate Hanuman’s strength, courage, and devotion to Rama.
• Krishna Janmashtami is a festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna, a Hindu deity. The festival is celebrated in August or September. It is a time to celebrate Krishna’s mischievous childhood and his love for Radha.
• Navratri is a nine-day festival that is celebrated in October or November. The festival is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. It is a time to pray for strength, courage, and protection.
• Durga puja is a ten-day festival that is celebrated in October or November. The festival is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. It is a time to pray for strength, courage, and protection.
• Chhat Puja is a three-day festival that is celebrated in November or December. The festival is dedicated to the worship of the sun god. It is a time to pray for good Health and prosperity.
• Maha Shivratri is a festival that celebrates the union of the god Shiva and the goddess Parvati. The festival is celebrated in February or March. It is a time to pray for peace, prosperity, and good health.
• Holi is a spring festival that is celebrated in March or April. The festival is a time to celebrate the arrival of spring and to forget and forgive past wrongs. It is a time to play with colors and to enjoy the company of friends and family.
• Id-ul-Fitr is a Muslim festival that celebrates the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The festival is a time to celebrate with family and friends, to give gifts, and to enjoy special foods.
• Id-ul-Adha is a Muslim festival that celebrates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail, to God. The festival is a time to sacrifice a sheep or goat, to share the meat with the poor, and to celebrate with family and friends.
• Christmas is a Christian festival that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The festival is a time to spend with family and friends, to give gifts, and to enjoy special foods.
• New Year is a secular holiday that celebrates the beginning of a new year. The holiday is a time to reflect on the past year and to make resolutions for the new year. It is a time to celebrate with family and friends, to give gifts, and to enjoy special foods.

These are just a few of the many festivals that are celebrated in Andhra Pradesh. Each festival is unique and offers a glimpse into the rich culture and history of the state.

What are the different types of fairs and festivals celebrated in Andhra Pradesh?

Andhra Pradesh is a state in India that is home to a diverse range of cultures and religions. As a result, there are many different types of fairs and festivals celebrated throughout the year. Some of the most popular include:

• Raja Sankranti: This is a harvest festival that is celebrated in January or February. It is a time for people to gather with their families and friends to celebrate the end of the winter season and the beginning of the spring.
• Ugadi: This is the Telugu New Year festival that is celebrated in March or April. It is a time for people to clean their homes and businesses, wear new clothes, and eat special foods.
• Maha Shivaratri: This is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in February or March. It is a time for people to worship Lord Shiva and to pray for his blessings.
• Hanukkah: This is a Jewish festival that is celebrated in December. It is a time for people to light candles, eat special foods, and give gifts.
• Christmas: This is a Christian festival that is celebrated in December. It is a time for people to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

What are some of the unique features of the fairs and festivals celebrated in Andhra Pradesh?

The fairs and festivals celebrated in Andhra Pradesh are unique in many ways. One of the most distinctive features is the use of color. Many of the festivals are celebrated with vibrant colors, such as red, yellow, and green. This is evident in the clothing that people wear, the decorations that are used, and the food that is eaten.

Another unique feature of the fairs and festivals celebrated in Andhra Pradesh is the music and dance. There are many different types of music and dance that are performed during these events. Some of the most popular include the Kuchipudi dance, the Bharatanatyam dance, and the Carnatic Music.

Finally, the fairs and festivals celebrated in Andhra Pradesh are also unique in the way that they bring people together. These events are a time for people to socialize, to celebrate their culture, and to connect with their community.

What are some of the benefits of celebrating fairs and festivals?

There are many benefits to celebrating fairs and festivals. One of the most obvious benefits is that they provide a sense of community. Fairs and festivals are a time for people to come together and celebrate their shared culture. This can help to build strong Bonds between people and to create a sense of belonging.

Another benefit of celebrating fairs and festivals is that they can help to promote cultural awareness. Fairs and festivals often feature traditional music, dance, and food. This can help people to learn about different cultures and to appreciate the diversity of the world around them.

Finally, celebrating fairs and festivals can also be a lot of fun! Fairs and festivals are a time for people to relax, to have fun, and to enjoy themselves. This can help to reduce Stress and to improve people’s overall well-being.

What are some of the challenges of celebrating fairs and festivals?

While there are many benefits to celebrating fairs and festivals, there are also some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is that fairs and festivals can be expensive. The cost of organizing and running a fair or festival can be high, and this can make it difficult for some communities to afford to celebrate these events.

Another challenge is that fairs and festivals can sometimes be disruptive. The noise, the crowds, and the traffic can be a nuisance for people who live in the area where the fair or festival is being held.

Finally, fairs and festivals can sometimes be unsafe. There have been cases of violence and crime at fairs and festivals, and this can be a concern for people who are attending these events.

What are some of the ways to overcome the challenges of celebrating fairs and festivals?

There are a number of ways to overcome the challenges of celebrating fairs and festivals. One way is to raise Money to cover the costs of organizing and running the event. This can be done through donations, sponsorships, or ticket sales.

Another way to overcome the challenges of celebrating fairs and festivals is to minimize the disruption to the community. This can be done by choosing a location for the event that is not in the middle of a residential area. It is also important to communicate with the community about the event and to make sure that there are adequate measures in place to reduce noise and traffic.

Finally, it is important to take steps to ensure the safety of people who are attending the fair or festival. This includes providing security, having a plan in place in case of an emergency, and making sure that there are adequate first-aid facilities.

1. Which of the following is not a fair or festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh?
   (A) Dasara
   (B) Bonalu
   (C) Sankranti
   (D) Pongal

2. Which of the following is the most important festival in Andhra Pradesh?
   (A) Dasara
   (B) Bonalu
   (C) Sankranti
   (D) Pongal

3. Dasara is celebrated for how many days?
   (A) 9 days
   (B) 10 days
   (C) 11 days
   (D) 12 days

4. The main deity worshipped during Dasara is
   (A) Durga
   (B) Lakshmi
   (C) Saraswati
   (D) Kali

5. Bonalu is celebrated in the month of
   (A) August
   (B) September
   (C) October
   (D) November

6. Bonalu is celebrated in honor of
   (A) Goddess Durga
   (B) Goddess Lakshmi
   (C) Goddess Saraswati
   (D) Goddess Kali

7. Sankranti is celebrated on the day of
   (A) Makar Sankranti
   (B) Chaitra Sankranti
   (C) Vaisakha Sankranti
   (D) Jyeshtha Sankranti

8. Sankranti is a harvest festival.
   (A) True
   (B) False

9. Pongal is celebrated in the month of
   (A) January
   (B) February
   (C) March
   (D) April

10. Pongal is a harvest festival.
    (A) True
    (B) False