Art & Culture
Visakhapatnam is considered as one of the most peaceful cities in India, with a rich mixture of culture and religious harmony. This city is a unique amalgam of the old and new, where ancient temples now lie in the shadows of gigantic shipyards. Though Visakhapatnam owes its vibrancy and cosmopolitan outlook to the various communities from all over India who have come and settled here, the actual credit rests with the warm and gentle original natives of Vizag (Coastal Andhrites). Almost all the religions in India such as Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism and Christianity are practiced by the respective communities here.
Visakhapatnam is a center for Arts, Culture and Entertainment. Vizagities love Music and Classical Dance - Bharatanatyam and Kuchupudi being their favorites. There are many Auditoriums where Classical dances are performed, the best begin at Kala Bharathi Auditorium where artistic programmes are exhibited regularly. Many other Classical programs are also conducted in the VUDA Park daily. The Government also organises programs on special occasions. Many Dance schools enrich the people of Vizag with classicial and traditional dances.
The Dhimsa is a unique dance performed by the hill tribes of Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam District. About 15 to 20 women attired in typical tribal dresses and ornaments, dance to the beat of instruments like Mori, Thudum and Dappu, played by the male members, in praise of the local deity. Much of the traditional art and culture of this region can be witnessed during the Visakha Utsav. Though the city of Visakhapatnam was developed mainly by the British in relatively modern times, the temples in the coastal areas are an excellent example of the architecture of the various dynasties that ruled this region. While it was the Eastern Chalukyas who developed temple architecture in coastal Andhra Pradesh, it was the Dravidian style of the Pallavas that made greater progress. The Cholas too introduced some new elements, and the Eastern Gangas introduced the Kalinga style as seen in the Mukhalingeshwara and Saripalle temples in Vizag.
The fairs and festivals
The Visakha Utsav is a three-day tourism festival celebrated from the third Friday to Sunday in the month of January. The festival presents an inimitable combination of folk and classical dances and music from the region. It also showcases the resources, infrastructure facilities and future plans for the developments of the city.
The Rishikonda Beach Festival is held on the beach in Vizag from 22nd to 25th December. Craft Bazaars, Exhibition Stalls and Food Courts are the main attractions during these festivals. A Book fair is also held in Visakhapatnam in November – December.
Other architectural landmarks around Vizag are the remnants of Dutch architecture in Bheemunipatnam and the excavated Buddhist monuments at Sankaram, Bavikonda, Thotlakonda and Pavuralakonda. Visakha District is famous for its softwoods toys made of Ankudu wood. These colourful toys are delicately and skillfully carved from a single piece of wood. Ettikoppaka is known for its exquisite lacquer handicrafts made both by hand and on machine run lathes.