Art & Culture
Hyderabad is a veritable melting pot of cultures, ethnicity and religion and nothing makes this more evident than the many festivals and celebrations that are being celebrated in Hyderabad annually. Four major religions can be found in Hyderabad: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism, although culture-wise, the Hyderabadis have developed a culture that is distinctly a mixture of Muslim and Hinduism. As such, most of the major festivals found in the city have a hint of both, especially Hinduism, which is still the most popular and practiced religion in the city.
Every year gracious Hyderabad comes alive during the Deccan Festival. There are cultural programmes with ghazal nights, qawalis and mushairas, typical of the city. A pearl and bangle fair displays creations in lustrous pearls and multi-hued bangles that are local specialties. A food fest serves the best of Hyderabad's famed cuisine to visitors.
Organised by the Department of Tourism, Andhra Pradesh, theDeccan Festival is celebrated in Hyderabad every year in February/March. This five-day festival reflects the culture of theDeccan and highlights Hyderabad's arts, crafts, culture and the famous Nawabi cuisine.
During the festival, many cultural programmes are organised; these include ghazal, qawwali and mushaira, (poetry sessions), which are typical of the city. Renowned singers and dancers are invited for performances, making the Deccan Festival a must-see for every visitor.
This festival also includes Pearls and Bangles fair, displaying creations in lustrous pearls and multi-hued bangles that are local specialties, and a Food Fair, with items covering both Andhra and Hyderabadi cuisine. This festival comes alive with food stalls and arts and craft shops.