Culture of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has contributed immensely in defining the cultural heritage of India. Its rich culture is discernible in its mellow music, dazzling dances, crispy cuisine, aboriginal arts &crafts, pious people, religions, and fairs & festivals. The dynasties and empires that ruled the state during different periods actually swayed and shaped the state's culture. And gradually their influences became inseparable part of its culture, giving a creative touch of varied civilizations to it. With its work of art and crafts, Andhra Pradesh has made its mark on the artistic vocation.

Arts and Crafts
Its arts and crafts demonstrate the expertise of artists, who work generously to craft their each piece like a masterpiece. Here, you can find a complete range of novel paintings, handicrafts, and handlooms. The wide variety of handicrafts include, Banjara needle crafts, Budithi Brassware, Durgi Stone craft, Veena manufacturing, Bidri craft, Dokra Metal Crafts, Nirmal Arts, Bronze castings, Kondapalli Toys, and Lacquer Ware. Regarding handlooms, Kalamkari and Ikat Weaving is really famous, and there are many places, like Chirala, Gadwal, Dharmavaram, Venkatagiri, Eluru, Mangalgiri, and Uppada, which are known for their class handloom products.

Dances
As all of us know, there are many dance forms of India that are known worldwide. Kuchipudi is one amongst those renowned dances which has been originated in Andhra Pradesh. From centuries, dance has been promoted as the finest performing art in India. Apart from Kuchipudi, there are many other dance forms, such as Bhamakalpam, Burrakatha, Veeranatyam, Butta Bommalu, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Bonalu, Dhimsa, and Kolattam, which have been instigated here.

Music
The delightful Carnatic music finds its roots in Andhra Pradesh. In fact, the state is celebrated for carrying the native soil of Thyagaraja, Shyama Sastri, and Muthuswami Dixitar, names that are synonymous to the Carnatic music. Telugu language actually delineates the real essence of this music. Besides Carnatic music, folk music, vocal music, and instrumental music are also famous from Andhra. Musical star, like Yella Venkatesara Rao, from the state has given new meaning to the percussion instrument of Mridangam.

People
When it is about people, Andhra Pradesh has a mixture of people who follow different religions & customs, belong to diverse communities, and have their own lifestyle, but what makes them together is their friendly attitude. Andhraites are nice people who live cordially, and take part enthusiastically in each other's traditions and festivals. In fact, the inhabitants of Andhra are characterized for their politeness, kindness, and god-fearing attitude.

Religions
The major religions observed in Andhra Pradesh are Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. The Andhraites are actually devout, and the innumerable places of worship present throughout the state confirm the fact. Here, you will find people observing different religions, in conjunction with their own customs and traditions. Like the entire country, Hinduism is the major religion followed by Islam, Christianity and Buddhism respectively.

Fairs & Festivals
Fairs & festivals keep the joyous spirits alive. Religious festivals, such as, Diwali, Holi, Sankranti, Eid-ul-Fitr etc, are celebrated like any other state in Andhra Pradesh too. Besides religious festivals, the State Government organizes several cultural festivals, like Deccan Festival, Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival, and Visakha Festival, to promote tourism in the state. Some other festivals that are famous from this state are Lumbini Festival, Tirupati Festival, Ugadi Festival, and Pongal.