Amaravati, January 09, 2026: The Avakai-Amaravati Festival kicked off at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada on January 9, 2026, with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurating the three-day celebration.
Set against the Kanaka Durga temple and Krishna River backdrop, the event highlights Andhra Pradesh's vibrant heritage through 28 programmes, including folk performances, live music, storytelling, discussions on cinema and literature, and multi-cuisine stalls showcasing traditional delicacies like avakai pickle symbolic of the Sankranti season.
Over 60 artists, 40 speakers, and 13 cultural troupes participate, drawing crowds to experience Telugu roots while promoting creative sectors for jobs and growth.