The Andhra Pradesh government will host the Aavakaya Cinema Culture & Literary Festival, a three-day celebration of Telugu cinema, literature and the performing arts, from January 8 to 10, 2026, at Punnami Ghat and Bhavani Island on the Krishna riverfront in Vijayawada. Entry to the festival will be free.
Announcing the event, Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh said the festival has been conceived as a large, open public platform that brings together cinema, literature, music, theatre and cultural discussions in a single space. Organised jointly by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department and Teamwork Arts, the festival is part of the state government’s broader vision to position the Amaravati–Vijayawada region as a contemporary cultural hub.
Durgesh said Aavakaya aims to showcase the depth of Telugu storytelling traditions while also giving prominence to present-day creative practices. Instead of restricting activities to closed auditoriums, the festival will unfold along the riverfront, encouraging wider public participation. With Telugu cinema and literature receiving growing national attention, the government sees the festival as a step towards projecting Andhra Pradesh as a centre for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.
The minister described the initiative as an early move towards developing Amaravati into a literary and cultural capital, while also strengthening Vijayawada’s profile as a cultural destination.
Culture-led tourism, he noted, is a key focus, and events like Aavakaya are expected to contribute to the state’s long-term tourism strategy by combining heritage, creativity and public engagement.
Tourism Department Special Secretary Ajay Jain said the festival has been designed as a comprehensive cultural initiative that integrates multiple art forms with accessible public spaces. By hosting performances, discussions and learning experiences along the riverfront, the event seeks to preserve cultural heritage while nurturing contemporary creativity and building a sustainable cultural ecosystem linked to tourism growth. Jain added that several other tourism-focused festivals across the state are also planned for January.
APTDC Managing Director Amrapali Kata said Aavakaya would present Andhra Pradesh’s cultural and creative strengths through a diverse program spanning cinema, literature and the performing arts. Set against a scenic backdrop, the festival is expected to engage a wide range of audiences while reinforcing the state’s cultural identity and appeal to modern travellers.
Teamwork Arts Managing Director Sanjay K. Roy described Aavakaya as an inclusive platform that brings together regional ideas, stories and performances, creating space for dialogue between artists and audiences. He said the festival’s distinctiveness lies in celebrating cinema, literature and art in an environment that reflects Andhra Pradesh’s cultural vibrancy, and acknowledged the state government’s support in making the initiative possible.
The three-day programme will include discussions on the roots and evolution of Telugu cinema, poetry sessions and mushairas in Telugu and Urdu, as well as dance, music and theatre performances. Workshops in puppetry, dance, music and theatre are also planned, along with heritage walks, ferry rides at the ghats and a food festival highlighting local cuisine.
Separately, Minister Durgesh said the government will soon convene a high-level meeting involving the Departments of Cinematography and Home Affairs to discuss issues related to the Telugu film industry, with consultations with industry representatives to follow.
