Major Events & Festivals in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India
1. Venkateswara Brahmotsavam
A grand annual festival dedicated to Lord Venkateswara held in the Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple. Offers a unique blend of tradition and devotion.
- Mass Participation: Attracts thousands of devotees and visitors from across the country.
- Cultural Programs: Includes vibrant cultural events like music, dance, and drama performances.
- Havan and Pujas: Features traditional Hindu rituals and offerings to the deity.
2. Uppullapadu Bird Sanctuary Festival
Annual bird watching festival held in the Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary. Provides a unique opportunity to witness a variety of migratory birds.
- Bird Watching: Offers a chance to spot rare and endangered species like the Grey-headed Fish Eagle.
- Expert Guidance: Provides expert guidance for bird identification and behavior.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers excellent opportunities for photographing the birds in their natural habitat.
3. Gangapuram Jatara
A unique fair held at Gangapuram in honor of Lord Hanuman. Features cultural events and traditional rituals.
- Religious Significance: Believed to bring blessings for a good harvest.
- Traditional Arts and Crafts: Showcases traditional arts, crafts, and local cuisine.
- Community Gathering: Brings together the local community and visitors for a festive celebration.
4. Nellore Beach Festival
Annual beach festival held along the coast of Nellore. Features water sports, music, and cultural events.
- Water Sports Activities: Offers a range of water sports like surfing, jet-skiing, and parasailing.
- Cultural Programs: Includes traditional music, dance, and art performances.
- Food Stalls: Features local and international cuisines.
5. Telakapuru Boat Race
An annual boat race held in the Telakapuram village. Showcases traditional boats and rowing techniques.
- Traditional Boats: Features traditional wooden boats known as 'Vadam'.
- Competitive Racing: Teams compete for prizes and local recognition.
- Cultural Performances: Includes traditional music, dance, and art performances.
6. Sankranthi Mela
A colorful fair held during the Sankranti festival. Features traditional games, food, and cultural performances.
- Traditional Games: Offers a chance to play traditional games like 'kolam' and 'pallankaiku.'.
- Folk Arts and Music: Features folk dances, music, and art performances.
- Local Cuisine: Offers a variety of traditional Andhra Pradesh dishes.
7. Kalidarsanam
A theatrical festival held in Nellore. Features traditional plays based on ancient Indian epics.
- Classical Theatre: Features classical theatre performances based on Indian epics.
- Expert Performers: Featuring experienced actors and artists from across India.
- Cultural Exchange: Provides a platform for cultural exchange and learning.
8. Bhairavotsava
A grand festival dedicated to Lord Bhairava held in the Sri Bhimesvara Swamy Temple. Offers a unique blend of tradition and devotion.
- Mass Participation: Attracts thousands of devotees and visitors.
- Traditional Rituals: Features traditional Hindu rituals and offerings to the deity.
- Cultural Programs: Includes vibrant cultural events like music, dance, and drama performances.
9. Pongal Festival Celebrations
Celebration of the Pongal harvest festival in Nellore. Features traditional rituals, food, and games.
- Harvest Celebration: Honors the bounty of the harvest season.
- Traditional Food: Features traditional dishes like 'Pongal' and 'Sakkare Ponganalu.'
- Cultural Programs: Includes folk music, dance, and art performances.
10. Mukthi Tirunalanmastotsavam
A religious festival held at the Mukthi Sametha Vinayaka Temple. Offers a unique opportunity to seek blessings and learn about local traditions.
- Religious Significance: Believed to bring spiritual enlightenment and blessings.
- Traditional Rituals: Featuring traditional Hindu rituals and offerings to the deity.
- Community Gathering: Brings together the local community and visitors for a festive celebration.
11. Puratasi Brahmotsavam
A religious festival held during the Puratasi month at the Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple. Offers a unique opportunity to seek blessings and learn about local traditions.
- Religious Significance: Believed to bring spiritual enlightenment and blessings.
- Traditional Rituals: Featuring traditional Hindu rituals and offerings to the deity.
- Community Gathering: Brings together the local community and visitors for a festive celebration.
12. Nellore Bullock Cart Race
A unique race featuring traditional bullock carts. Offers a glimpse into rural life and traditions.
- Rural Traditions: Showcases the use of traditional transportation methods.
- Competitive Racing: Teams compete for prizes and local recognition.
- Cultural Performances: Includes traditional music, dance, and art performances.
13. Nellore Rural Sports Festival
A sports festival held in rural areas of Nellore. Showcases traditional games and sports.
- Traditional Games: Offers a chance to play traditional games.
- Sports Competitions: Features competitions in various sports like kabaddi, cockfighting, and bullock cart racing.
- Cultural Performances: Includes traditional music, dance, and art performances.
14. Nellore Food Festival
A festival dedicated to food and cuisine of Nellore. Offers a chance to sample local delicacies.
- Local Cuisine: Features a wide variety of traditional Andhra Pradesh dishes.
- Cooking Demonstrations: Includes cooking demonstrations by local chefs.
- Food Competitions: Features competitions in various food-related activities like cooking, baking, and culinary arts.
15. Nellore Art and Craft Festival
A festival dedicated to art and craft of Nellore. Offers a chance to learn about local art forms and purchase unique handmade items.
- Local Art Forms: Features traditional art forms like Kalamkari, Bell Metal, and Batik.
- Art Workshops: Includes workshops where visitors can learn about local art forms.
- Cultural Performances: Includes traditional music, dance, and art performances.