Visakha Utsav
cultural
When it happens
December
Three days in mid-December organized by tourism board. Region: RK Beach, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Gallery
Significance
A lively beach carnival on the coast of Andhra, with regional seafood stalls and indigenous folk crafts.
Why it's celebrated
The state government hosts the festival to give Andhra Pradesh's coastal culture, tribal arts of the Araku Valley, and seafood traditions a global platform.
How it's celebrated
Great stages rise on the sands of RK Beach, with Lambadi and Dhimsa tribal dances and classical Kuchipudi, alongside sand-art exhibitions, flower shows and air shows.
Key rituals
As a secular tourism festival there are no religious rites, but each edition opens with a traditional lamp-lighting and an invocation by traditional artists.
Beliefs & spiritual meaning
The festival is credited with nurturing the city's love of the arts and giving the region's tribal artists meaningful economic support.
History & origins
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation founded the festival in the 1990s to build Visakhapatnam into a tourism hub, and it has grown ever since.
What to expect
A beach festival on RK Beach at Visakhapatnam: Dhimsa drumming from the Araku hill communities, sand sculpture, and a great deal of seafood. A city event rather than a traditional one, and the beach is the venue.
Frequently asked
Is there an entry fee?+
No - the main cultural programmes on RK Beach are free for all; only food and craft stalls charge separately.
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