The Union Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with Union Ministry of Culture, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Andhra Pradesh Tourism, and the Andhra Pradesh Department of Culture will hold the third edition of the Carnatic music festival Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam in Vijayawada on December 6 and 7.
The theme for this year – “Celebrating the Richness of Telugu Music Traditions” – aims to highlight Andhra Pradesh’s cultural heritage while promoting music tourism, supporting artisans and weavers, and positioning Vijayawada as a growing hub for Carnatic music.
Andhra Pradesh Minister for Tourism and Culture Kandula Durgesh will inaugurate the festival in the presence of elected representatives, senior officials from the Union Ministry of Tourism, and state tourism authorities.
The Union Ministry of Tourism’s Regional Office (South) is coordinating the planning and execution of the two-day event, which will feature 18 concerts and 98 artists. The main performances will be staged at Tummalapallivari Kshetrayya Kalakshetram.
A special dawn presentation of the Pancharatna Kritis is scheduled for December 7 at 7 a.m. at Durga Ghat. The recital will be led by the Malladi Brothers, accompanied by faculty and students from the Government Music Colleges of Vijayawada and Guntur, underscoring the festival’s emphasis on community participation.
In the run-up to the event, three pre-festival concerts were held at culturally significant temples across Andhra Pradesh – Srikalahasti on November 29, Simhachalam on December 1, and Srisailam on December 2 – to build statewide engagement.
Complementing the musical performances, an exhibition of GI-tagged crafts and traditional textiles from Andhra Pradesh will be showcased. The display will feature Kondapalli toys, Etikoppaka lacquerware, Udayagiri wooden cutlery, leather puppetry, Narsapur lace, and handloom clusters such as Mangalagiri, Venkatagiri, Chirala, Uppada, and Moragudi. The initiative aligns with the Centre’s Vocal for Local mission, offering artisans direct access to audiences and buyers.
Local tourism and hospitality partners are supporting the event, with the Andhra Pradesh Star Hotels Association (ASHA) playing a key role in facilitating media outreach.
The festival will be live-streamed on Union Ministry of Tourism’s official YouTube channel for national and global audiences. The full programme schedule is available on the official website.
