South India · State
Andhra Pradesh
A long Bay of Bengal coastline, the Eastern Ghats and the Krishna–Godavari delta shape a state known for temple towns, Buddhist archaeology and a cuisine built on chilli, tamarind and rice.
- Capital
- Amaravati — Amaravati is the state capital; state offices have also functioned from Visakhapatnam and Kurnool during the ongoing capital-development process.
- Languages
- Telugu (official); Urdu; English widely used in cities — major and official languages, not an exclusive list.
Cultural traditions, arts & crafts
- • Kuchipudi dance-drama, named for the village where it developed
- • Kalamkari — hand-painted and block-printed cotton from Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam
- • Etikoppaka lacquered wooden toys coloured with vegetable dyes
- • Carnatic music and the Annamacharya kirtana tradition
Major festivals
- Ugadi (Telugu new year) — March–April (dates vary — verify current dates)
- Sankranti — Mid-January
- Tirumala Brahmotsavam — September–October (dates vary — verify current dates)
Traditional dress & textiles
Dress varies by community, district, occasion and generation; everyday clothing today is often contemporary. These are representative traditions rather than a single state costume.
- • Saris in Venkatagiri, Uppada jamdani, Mangalagiri and Dharmavaram silk are worn for weddings and festivals
- • Kalamkari-printed cotton is used for both saris and contemporary clothing
- • Men's traditional dress includes the dhoti (pancha) with an angavastram; kurta-pyjama and trousers are everyday wear
Where to go
- Araku Valley
- Tirupati region
Sources & verify
- Andhra Pradesh Tourism (official)
- Know India — States & UTs (Government of India)
- Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles
Last reviewed: August 2026. Cultural traditions in India vary by community, district, occasion and generation. The notes below are representative examples reviewed against government sources, not exhaustive or official definitions. Festival timings follow lunar or locally announced calendars — verify current dates with the relevant state tourism department before travelling.