Srisailam temple in Andhra Pradesh gears up for its grand Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavam from February 8 to March 18, with expected 20% rise in devotee footfall.
Tirumala temple saw a record 7.83 lakh devotees during the 10-day Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan from December 30 to January 8, up nearly one lakh from last year. TTD reports ₹41.14 crore in hundi collections and 93% devotee satisfaction.
Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple in Srisailam to host mass Bhogi Pallu ritual for five-year-old children on January 14 and rangoli competitions for women on January 15 as part of vibrant Sankranti celebrations.
Avakai-Amaravati Festival launched in Vijayawada by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, celebrating Andhra's cuisine, cinema, culture, and literature along the Krishna River ahead of Sankranti. Three-day event features folk arts, food stalls, and performances.
Despite strict bans, organizers in Andhra Pradesh are building elaborate arenas for rooster fights ahead of Sankranti, drawing crowds and high-stakes betting in rural districts.
Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district hosts the Flamingo Festival on January 10-11 at Pulicat Lake, drawing birdwatchers to see thousands of migratory flamingos amid eco-tourism and cultural events.
Pithapuram in Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada district launches a grand three-day Sankranti fete from January 9-11, blending folk arts, classical dances, and star power with Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan's visit.
Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool arrived in Andhra Pradesh for a focused spiritual visit, offering prayers at key temples including Srikalahasti and Tiruchanur before heading to the iconic Tirumala shrine.
TTD ends offline issuance of 800 daily Srivani tickets at Tirumala, moving them to online current booking on a one-month trial to cut queues and boost transparency for pilgrims.
Festive buzz grips rural Andhra Pradesh as communities gear up for Sankranti well before the main dates, fueled by a successful early harvest and hopeful rituals for the year ahead.
Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu called for stronger ties between Telugu states and interlinking of Krishna-Godavari rivers to curb water waste, speaking at the third World Telugu Mahasabhalu in Guntur.
