Visitors enjoy the festive atmosphere at Bhavani Island during the Avakai celebrations in Vijayawada.
| Photo Credit: G.N. Rao
The three-day Avakai–Amaravati Festival of Cinema, Culture and Literature, organised at Punnami Ghat and Bhavani Island in Vijayawada, concluded on a grand note on Saturday (January 10), marking a significant milestone for the State’s creative economy. According to a press note from the district administration, more than 5,000 visitors attended the festival during the first two days, while footfall crossed 7,000 on the final day.
The concluding day featured musical performances by the Chowraasta band, followed by a tribute to legendary actor N. T. Rama Rao titled ‘Natasaarvabhowma NTR’. The celebrations culminated in a live concert by noted singer Javed Ali and the final show of the signature musical Love Story, which blended popular Telugu compositions with contemporary dance. Encouraged by the response, Minister for Tourism, Youth and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh, announced that the next edition of Avakai–Amaravati will be held from December 17 to 19, 2026. He said the Avakai festival would serve as a model for several upcoming major events, including the ongoing Flamingo Festival at Sullurpeta, Gandikota Utsavalu from January 11 to 13 and Visakha Utsavalu from January 23 to 31. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Nukasani Balaji, Vijayawada Central MLA Bonda Umamaheshwara Rao, Mylavaram MLA Vasantha Krishna Prasad and others attended the valedictory programme.
Published – January 10, 2026 11:00 pm IST
