The Government of Andhra Pradesh has unveiled plans for a major new public cultural event, the Avakai: Amaravati Festival of Cinema, Culture and Literature. Scheduled to be held over three days from January 8 to 10, 2026, this multidisciplinary festival aims to become a landmark celebration of Telugu arts and heritage.
A Public-Facing Cultural Initiative
Conceived as a unique open-air experience, the festival will break away from conventional indoor formats. Organisers plan to utilise open public spaces and scenic riverfront locations across Amaravati, transforming the city into a vibrant cultural hub. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the festival's core idea is to create a shared space where cinema, literature, and performing arts can be experienced collectively, fostering public participation and learning.
Echoing this vision, State Minister for Tourism and Culture Kandula Durgesh stated that the event aligns with the government's efforts to integrate cultural traditions with everyday public engagement. The festival is being organised by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority and produced by Teamwork Arts, with the intention of establishing it as a recurring annual platform.
A Multidisciplinary Programme for All Arts
The Avakai festival promises a rich and diverse programme designed to bring different art forms into a shared setting. The itinerary includes:
- Cinema Focus: A significant portion will delve into Telugu cinema, exploring its literary roots, narrative history, and contemporary trends through curated film screenings, panel discussions, and special sessions.
- Literary Segment: This will feature poetry readings and traditional mushaira sessions in both Telugu and Urdu, alongside conversations on storytelling and the art of adaptation from page to screen.
- Performing Arts: The festival will open with a formal inauguration followed by a wide array of performances. Audiences can expect shows drawn from classical, folk, contemporary, and cinematic traditions, including theatre-based storytelling and dance productions rooted in regional forms.
- Interactive Workshops: Daytime schedules will include hands-on workshops led by seasoned practitioners in theatre, dance, music, and puppetry, encouraging direct public involvement.
- Conversations and Dialogues: A series of talks will feature writers, filmmakers, and journalists examining themes like character construction in cinema, the literature-film relationship, and the role of mythology and music in storytelling.
Building a Legacy for Telugu Arts
Officials associated with the project confirm that the Avakai festival is designed to be more than a one-off event. It is envisioned as a sustainable cultural platform that combines performance, intellectual dialogue, and free public access within an open, inclusive format. By situating arts in everyday spaces, the government aims to make cultural appreciation a part of community life, celebrating Andhra Pradesh's rich creative legacy while shaping its future narrative.
The announcement marks a significant step in the state's cultural calendar, positioning Amaravati as a destination for arts and literature enthusiasts from across India and beyond. All eyes will now be on the capital city as preparations begin for this grand public celebration in early 2026.
