Thu Jan 30 05:32:07 IST 2025: ## Araku Utsav: Three-Day Tribal Cultural Festival Kicks Off in Andhra Pradesh
**ARAKU VALLEY, Andhra Pradesh –** The Araku Utsav, a three-day tribal cultural festival titled “Chali,” is set to begin on January 31st in Alluri Sitharama Raju district. The festival, taking place at the Government Degree College Grounds in Araku Valley, aims to showcase the rich culture and arts of the region’s tribal communities.
The event will feature a diverse range of activities, including a 5K marathon, a flower show at the newly opened Padmapuram Botanical Gardens, a painting competition, and a vibrant Carnival Parade featuring various tribal folk dances and performances (Basthar Band, Thoda Dance, Ghond Tribal Dance, and many more). Evening entertainment will include cultural programs, comedy skits, and performances of Nagadabheri Band, Dhimsa, and Kuchipudi dance.
Day two will include a cycling event, a plantation drive, a Coffee Festival, and an evening fashion show with additional cultural performances. The final day will feature trekking, rangoli competitions, a flash mob, and a closing ceremony complete with a laser show and fireworks.
Food stalls and amusement park facilities will be available throughout the festival. Visitors will also have the option of tethered hot air balloon rides, paragliding, and helicopter rides. While several prominent political figures have been invited, their attendance is uncertain due to the ongoing MLC election code. The Araku Valley is being festively illuminated for the occasion. District Collector A.S. Dinesh Kumar is overseeing the arrangements.
First Piper 