Avakai–Amaravati festival showcases Telugu culture, cuisine and cinema

Vijayawada: Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu said the state govt is organising cultural events to reflect, preserve, and promote Telugu traditions, heritage, and identity. He noted that the Avakai–Amaravati festival was designed to showcase the rich glory of Telugu cinema, culture, and cuisine to the world.Participating in the inaugural of the third Avakai–Amaravati festival at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada on Thursday, the CM said Avakai is synonymous with Andhra Pradesh and represents its cultural heritage.He said the celebrations are being held in a festive atmosphere, with the grandeur of the Kanaka Durga temple on one side and the banks of the Krishna River on the other. As part of the festival, discussions on culture, literature, and cinema will be organised.The CM added that the govt has planned continuous celebrations, including New Year, Sankranti, and traditional festivities in the Godavari districts, reflecting the vibrancy of Telugu culture. He further announced that Flamingo, Araku, and Gandikota tourism festivals will be held in a grand manner to boost tourism development.Observing that Andhra cuisine is recognised globally, he said people from AP are at the forefront of the hospitality industry, managing hotels and serving as chefs worldwide. "Andhra Pradesh will emerge as a global host for the world," he asserted, adding that Telugu identity stands for hospitality, skill, values, and capability, which is why Telugus excel globally as entrepreneurs. He underlined that Telugu culture has a history spanning thousands of years and that harmonious living is intrinsic to it.Emphasising the importance of protecting traditions, the CM cited Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and its celebration in parts of Chittoor district, warning that forgetting traditions would amount to forgetting history itself.Earlier, EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin expressed happiness at participating in the festival and wished for its success. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni), and others were present.