Grand ‘Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam’ to celebrate Telugu music and culture in Vijayawada

The much-celebrated “Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam,” a festival symbolic of Andhra Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, is set to take place in Vijayawada from December 6 to 8. Organized jointly by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Music and Theatre Academy, and the state’s Department of Tourism and Culture, the festival promises an immersive experience of Telugu music, arts, and traditions.

This year, the festival is themed “Celebrating the Glory of Telugu Musical Traditions”, with the aim of showcasing Telugu culture, music, culinary heritage, and traditional crafts both nationally and internationally. State Minister Kandula Durgesh, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, formally invited Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to the event.

Over three days, the festival will feature 35 performances by 140 artists, offering audiences a rich taste of Carnatic music. The main venue is the Tummalapalli Krishnayya Kalaakshetram, while Durga Ghat will host a special rendition of Tyagaraja’s Pancharatna Kritis on the morning of December 7. On December 8, devotees can look forward to a presentation of Devi Kritis at Kanaka Durga Temple, a highlight of the festival.

Each day will showcase a variety of performances. On December 6, audiences can enjoy 11 programs including Nadaswaram music, Harikatha storytelling, vocal recitals, and devotional singing. December 7 will feature Pancharatna Kritis and instrumental performances, while December 8 will offer 13 presentations including Devi Kritis, mandolin music, and divine compositions.

Ahead of the festival, special concerts were held across the state to build excitement: Srikalahasti (Nov 29), Simhachalam (Dec 1), and Srisailam (Dec 2) hosted musical events that set the tone for the main festival.

A unique aspect of the festival is its focus on local crafts and “Vocal for Local” initiatives. Exhibitions will include Mangalagiri cotton, Uppada Jamdani, Dharmavaram silk, Pochampally ikat, Kondapalli toys, Kalamkari, Narsapur lace, and Tholu Bommalu (traditional leather puppets), giving artisans direct access to buyers. The Tirupati Indian Culinary Institute will also run a special food stall, showcasing Andhra Pradesh’s culinary richness.

During a preparatory meeting with the Chief Minister, discussions covered the development of eco, temple, adventure, wellness, cruise, and regional tourism circuits, with CM Chandrababu Naidu reportedly responding positively.

The festival will host Union Minister Suresh Gopi as the chief guest, along with dignitaries including Minister Kandula Durgesh, MP Kesineni Srinivas, and Tourism Secretary Vinay Chand. For music lovers across India and abroad, the festival will be livestreamed on the Ministry of Tourism’s YouTube channel (@ministryoftourismgoi).

The Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam stands out as a cultural extravaganza celebrating music, traditions, and the arts, making it a must-visit event for enthusiasts of Telugu heritage.