Artistes performing during the Andhra Pradesh Telugu Mahotsavam at the Undavalli Caves in Guntur district on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: G.N. RAO
The two-day Telugu Mahotsavam, organised by the Andhra Pradesh State Creativity and Culture Society, commenced with grandeur at the historic Undavalli Caves in Guntur district on Saturday. The programme aims at preserving and promoting the richness of the Telugu language and its cultural heritage for future generations,
The festival began with Suryodaya Suprabhatham at 6:30 a.m., as students of the Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Government College of Music and Dance welcomed the sunrise with Telugu devotional and literary compositions. The classical musical performances presented atop the caves created a serene atmosphere, setting the tone for the cultural celebrations.
The inaugural was attended by NTR District Collector Lakshmisha, former Zilla Parishad Chairperson Gadde Anuradha, APMSIDC Chairman Chillapalli Srinivas, ghazal singer Ghazal Srinivas, NTR district DCP K.G.B. Saritha, and Telugu Sahitya and Culture Academy Chairman M.D. Wilson (Sharath Chandra).
NTR District Collector G. Laxmisha, artist and lyricist Ghazal Srinivas, and other dignitaries displaying a postcard bearing golden lettering during Andhra Pradesh Telugu Mahotsavam at Undavalli Caves in Guntur district on Saturday.
| Photo Credit:
GN RAO
Mr. Lakshmisha stressed that preserving Telugu, one of India’s ancient classical languages with a rich literary and cultural legacy, was a shared responsibility. He said the festival would inspire younger generations to develop a stronger appreciation for their mother tongue.
Ms. Anuradha observed that bringing Telugu literature, folk traditions and fine arts onto a common platform was a significant step towards strengthening the language’s cultural identity.
One of the major attractions of the festival was a literary discussion Aame Maata – Akshara Baata,” which featured eminent women writers including Bhavani Devi, Mandalapu Haimavathi, Tella Aruna, Vasudha Rani, Sushilamma and Simhadri Jyothirmayi.
The panel explored the evolution of women’s contribution to Telugu literature, from the works of the medieval poet Molla to contemporary writer Volga, and discussed how women continue to shape literary values and social thought through their writings.
Poets and literary personalities from across Andhra Pradesh participated in the open-air poetry session Chettu Needana Chirugaali Kavithva Gaana Karyakramam, presenting poems on the glory of the Telugu language, the historical significance of the Undavalli Caves and contemporary social issues.
Participating poets were honoured with certificates by Andhra Pradesh State Creativity and Culture Society Chairperson Podapati Tejaswini.
The festival also featured storytelling sessions by former All India Radio Director Munjaluri Krishnakumari, who narrated Panchatantra and moral stories while encouraging children to tell stories creatively.
A traditional Tholu Bommalata (shadow puppetry) performance based on the Sundarakanda captivated the audience, while “Telugu Swarala Sangeeta Sambaram” delighted music lovers with timeless Telugu film songs, audience sing-alongs, lyrical appreciation sessions and live musical performances.
The first day of Telugu Mahotsavam concluded with a vibrant showcase of Andhra Pradesh’s literary, artistic and cultural heritage.
Published – July 25, 2026 11:54 pm IST
