Showcasing Rich Andhra Heritage

Andhra Pradesh. The images it immediately evokes are of the famed Hyderabadi biryani and the Andhra podis, the Kalamkari fabrics and the Pochampalli sarees, and the Kuchipudi dance form and Kondapalli toys.

But, how many actually know it is as the land of fried prawn and Gongura delicacies, of tolubommalata (puppet show) and bidri work, of puliveshalu and burrakatha folk song and dance forms, and of Banjara embroidery and Batik fabrics.

To spread awareness about such unique and traditional Andhra heritage, culture and art forms, most of them dying, the state government is organising the Cultural Heritage Festival in Hyderabad's Lalitha Kala Thoranam till 20th of May.

The festival is being touted as a one-stop showcase of the state's heritage, with over 30 stalls catering to handicrafts and 10 for traditional Andhra food. The remaining 10 stalls are being taken up by government departments involved in the festival, and private sponsors.

On display will be a variety of handicrafts including Kondapalli toys from Krishna district, paintings from Adilabad and Cheriyal, Kalamkari paintings, carpets from Warangal, miniature veenas from Vizianagaram, bidri work, miniature sculptures from Kurnool and Karimnagar, and bangles from Lad Bazar. Artisans from various parts of the state will not just showcase finished handicrafts, but also the manufacturing techniques.

The festival will showcase the best of indigenous garments and fabrics such as Ikat, Pochampalli, Venkatagiri, Gadwal and Narayanpet sarees, Banjara embroidery, and Batik and Kalamkari fabrics.

The event includes a cultural festival focussing on traditional Andhra music, dance and drama and folk art forms. Well-known artists as well as their lesser known counterparts will be participating in the cultural fest that includes Kuchipudi, Tappetagullu and Buttabommalu dance forms, puppet shows, mimicry and magic shows, Lambada dances, Perini Shiva Tandavam and Andhra Natyam. The festival will conclude with a fashion show depicting the fabrics and weaves of Andhra.