Vijayawada Utsav 2026 will be held from October 11 to 20, 2026, turning Vijayawada into a 10-day celebration of culture, music, food, traditional arts and entertainment. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh, the second edition of the festival will be held under the theme “One City–One Celebration.”
The festival will coincide with the Dasara and Navaratri season, bringing together Andhra Pradesh’s cultural heritage, folk traditions, performances, exhibitions, food festivals and entertainment programmes. The celebrations are expected to attract visitors from across Andhra Pradesh and other parts of India.
Vijayawada Utsav 2026 Dates and Venue
The main celebrations of Vijayawada Utsav 2026 will be centred at Punnami Ghat, along the Krishna River. The venue, spread across around 18 acres, is expected to host several of the festival’s major attractions.
Additional programmes are planned at Makineneni Basavapunnayya Stadium and Siddhartha College premises.
Vijayawada Utsav 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival | Vijayawada Utsav 2026 |
| Dates | October 11 to 20, 2026 |
| Duration | 10 days |
| Theme | One City–One Celebration |
| Organiser | Department of Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh |
| Main Venue | Punnami Ghat |
| Other Venues | Makineneni Basavapunnayya Stadium and Siddhartha College |
| City | Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh |
What to Expect at Vijayawada Utsav 2026?
Vijayawada Utsav 2026 will feature a mix of traditional Andhra Pradesh culture and modern entertainment. The 10-day celebration will include classical and folk performances, devotional programmes, music shows, food festivals and family-oriented activities.
Visitors can expect:
- Classical and folk performances
- Devotional programmes
- Music and entertainment shows
- Dandiya nights
- A mega carnival
- Fireworks
- Food festivals
- Cultural exhibitions
- Sporting activities
- Family-oriented programmes
- Skill-development initiatives
The festival aims to create a common platform for culture, entertainment, local talent and community participation during the festive season.
Which Traditional Arts Will Be Featured at Vijayawada Utsav?
Traditional Andhra Pradesh performing arts will have a prominent place in the Vijayawada Utsav 2026 programme.
Performances featuring folk traditions such as Tholu Bommalata, Dappu and Tappegagullu, along with mythological dramas, are expected to showcase the region’s rich performing-arts heritage.
The festival will also provide a platform for local artists and help bring traditional art forms to a wider audience.
Vijayawada Utsav 2026 and Dasara Celebrations
Vijayawada Utsav 2026 will take place during the Dasara and Navaratri season, when the city becomes a major destination for religious and cultural celebrations.
The festival will coincide with the annual Dasara celebrations at the Kanaka Durga Temple, one of Vijayawada’s most important religious landmarks. Located on Indrakeeladri Hill overlooking the Krishna River, the temple attracts large numbers of devotees during Navaratri.
The combination of Vijayawada Utsav and the city’s Dasara celebrations is expected to create a vibrant festive atmosphere across Vijayawada.
National Saras Mela in Vijayawada 2026
Adding to Vijayawada’s festive calendar, the National Saras Mela is scheduled to take place at Punnami Ghat from October 8 to 23, 2026.
The mela will bring together artisans, self-help groups and entrepreneurs from different states. Visitors will be able to see and purchase a variety of handicrafts, regional products, traditional food and locally made crafts.
Since the National Saras Mela will overlap with Vijayawada Utsav, Punnami Ghat is expected to remain one of the city’s key attractions throughout the festive period.
Why Visit Vijayawada During October 2026?
October 2026 will be an especially active period for cultural and religious celebrations in Vijayawada. Visitors will be able to experience Vijayawada Utsav, Dasara and Navaratri celebrations, and the National Saras Mela during the same festive period.
From traditional Andhra folk performances and local food to handicrafts, music, entertainment and devotional celebrations, the events offer visitors an opportunity to experience different aspects of Vijayawada and Andhra Pradesh’s cultural heritage.
