Vijaywada : The Andhra Pradesh government will host Avakai: Amaravati Festival of Cinema, Culture and Literature from January 8 to 10, 2026, at Punnami Ghat and Bhavani Island in Vijayawada.
The three-day Avakai: Amaravati Festival in Vijaywada will transform the Krishna riverfront into a vibrant public cultural space. It will bring cinema, literature and performing arts directly to the people.
A New Cultural Format for Andhra Pradesh
Avakai introduces an open and inclusive festival format to the state. It places culture in public spaces and encourages direct interaction between artists and audiences.
The festival celebrates Telugu cinema and literature while presenting music, dance, theatre, poetry and storytelling. It also reflects the cultural identity of the Amaravati–Vijayawada region.
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority is organising the event. KIA powers the festival, while Teamwork Arts produces it under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Entry is free, and online registration is open.
Grand Opening on the Krishna River
The festival will open on January 8 at Punnami Ghat with a colourful procession. Giant puppets, Teen Maar drummers and bagpipers will lead the celebration.
The evening will include river rituals, musical performances and the ceremonial inauguration. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, senior ministers, diplomats and cultural leaders will attend the opening.
Conversations, Workshops and Performances
Daytime programmes at Bhavani Island will feature talks, panel discussions and hands-on workshops. Speakers will explore Indian mythology, evolving storytelling and the impact of OTT platforms on cinema.
Workshops will cover martial arts, music, dance, puppetry and storytelling. These sessions aim to engage students, creators and cultural enthusiasts.
Evenings of Music, Dance and Poetry
Evenings at Punnami Ghat will showcase Carnatic music, Kuchipudi dance-theatre, poetry and Mushaira. Artists will blend classical traditions with contemporary expressions.
The festival will also present collaborative performances that combine music, cinema and literature. A grand finale concert by Javed Ali will conclude Avakai on January 10.
Positioning Vijayawada as a Cultural Hub
Avakai aims to establish Vijayawada as a major cultural destination. It also seeks to reclaim riverfront spaces as centres of creativity and shared cultural experiences.
By bringing diverse voices together, the festival hopes to strengthen cultural dialogue and public participation across generations.
