By Sitaram Mewati
The banks of the River Krishna have come alive as the Andhra Pradesh government hosts Avakai: Amaravati Festival of Cinema, Culture and Literature from January 8 to 10, 2026, at Punnami Ghat and Bhavani Island.
Conceived as a large, inclusive public festival, Avakai brings cinema, literature, music, dance, theatre, poetry, storytelling and workshops directly to the public, transforming the riverfront into a vibrant space for cultural exchange and dialogue. Organised by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority, powered by KIA and produced by Teamwork Arts, the festival is under the vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Entry is free, with online registration encouraged.
The festival opened with a colourful procession at Punnami Ghat featuring giant puppets, Teen Maar drummers and bagpipers, followed by evening music, aarti at the ghat and the inauguration of a house boat. The ceremonial Prarambhotsavam was attended by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin, and Teamwork Arts MD Sanjoy K. Roy. Opening performances included Her Frames, Her Fire by Omaggio Performing Company and Love Story – A Musical.
Daytime programmes at Bhavani Island feature conversations and workshops with leading voices from cinema and literature. Sessions include Pure Evil: Anti-Heroes of Cinema, Evolving Storytelling: The Journey of Indian Mythology, Cinema in the Age of OTT and Abhilasha: From Novel to Screen. Workshops cover martial arts, nagada, puppet-making and dance.
Evening performances at Punnami Ghat include Carnatic music, the Kuchipudi dance-theatre production Dramatic Tales – Rasa United, sessions on music and poetry in cinema, the mushaira Mehfil-e-Sukhan and Aaj Rang Hai, blending contemporary classical and Qawwali. The festival concludes on January 10 with a tribute to NTR, Love Story – A Musical, and a grand finale concert by Javed Ali.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
