Andhra Pradesh – the land of varied culture, religions and traditions – celebrates a number of festivals with fun, gaiety and vibrant spirit.

Some major festivals of the state are listed as:

Pongal

This famous harvest festival is celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of January every year. This celebration of the flourishing crops in the field belongs to the farming community. A special dish of rice and dal is prepared and served on the first day of the festival while on the second day, the devotees worship for Lord Surya and distribute clothes and gifts. That third and the last day marks the worship of the cow. All the cattle are given a ceremonious bath and are fed sweetmeats.

Ugadi

Celebrated after the festival of 'Holi' in April-May, Ugadi is basically the Telugu New Year day. Pacchadi (chutney) is prepared on this occasion with tender flowers of neem, jaggery or sugar and tamarind. After the rituals, the 'chutney' is given to everyone as 'Prasad' (holy food). Bhakshya or Purampoli is the special sweet cooked on this day. People wear new clothes and decorate their homes. Torana (festoons of mango leaves) are tied to all the doors of the house on this day of great joy and happiness.

Ganesha or Vinayak Chaturthi

Celebrated to mark the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the festival lasts for ten days. On the last day, the idol of Lord Ganesha is immersed in the Hussain Sagar Lake. This famous Hindu festival falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of 'Bhadrapada' (August – September). Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated throughout India. The idol is worshipped with various flowers, leaves, fruits, corns, sandal paste, vermilion, payasam (sweet), rice milk porridge (kheer) etc.

Deccan Festival

It is a celebration of Hyderabad's arts, crafts, culture and cuisine. The festival is marked by the Pearls & Bangles fair and a food fair. Celebrated at Qutub Shahi Tombs in Hyderabad on Second Friday, Saturday & Sunday of April, every year, the festival offers the best of cuisine, cultural art, music & dance. The ambiance echoes with Ghazals, Mushairas, Qawwalis and other classical music forms. This five-day festival is celebrated to keep the traditions and culture of the Deccan region alive.

Lumbini Festival

Celebrating the Buddhist Heritage of Andhra Pradesh, the festival is organized in Nagarjunasagar and Hyderabad. This three day festival starts from the second Friday of December, every year.

Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival

October is the time when Rasyalaseema area of Tirupati in Chitoor district displays its best art forms and cuisine. This festival is also organized by the Department of Tourism, Andhra Pradesh.

Tirupati Tirumala Brahmotsavam

This nine-day festival is celebrated at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in the month of September/October. Literally meaning 'Brahma's Utsavam' (Lord Brahma's festival), it is also known as 'Tirupati festival'. Devotees feel the 'Vaikuntha Anubhava' or heavenly pleasure and feeling. The grand procession of Lord Venkateswara marks the festival.

Visakha Utsav

Organized by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, This festival focuses on the traditions and culture of the state in the form of arts, crafts, music, dance etc. This four-day festival invites a number of artists from various spheres to participate and show their talent. Numerous cultural shows, garment exhibitions, traditional crafts, heritage tours, sports events and flower shows signify this festival.