Visakha Utsav 2026 – Curtain Raiser Marks the Launch of India’s Biggest Beach Festival

The Curtain Raiser of Visakha Utsav 2026 – India’s Biggest Beach Festival formally announced one of Andhra Pradesh’s most ambitious cultural and tourism initiatives, scheduled to take place from January 24 to February 1, 2026.

Envisioned as a nine-day, multi-location celebration, Visakha Utsav 2026 spans Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Anakapalli, and Araku Valley, bringing together music, culture, adventure, heritage, cuisine, sports, art, and large-scale public engagement. With an expected footfall of over two million visitors, the festival stands among the largest tourism-driven cultural events in the country.

An initiative of Andhra Pradesh Tourism, Visakha Utsav 2026 is positioned as a flagship platform to showcase the state’s cultural diversity, natural landscapes, and global tourism potential.

Curtain Raiser Event

The Curtain Raiser marked the official unveiling of the festival’s vision, scale, and programming. It set the tone for a statewide celebration that integrates urban beaches, heritage zones, spiritual centres, and hill destinations into one unified cultural experience.

Dignitaries Present

The Curtain Raiser was attended by a distinguished gathering of leaders and public representatives.

 • Kandula Durgesh – Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Andhra Pradesh

• Amrapali Kata (IAS)

• Kollu Ravindra – Hon’ble Minister, Andhra Pradesh

• Gummadi Sandhya Rani – Hon’ble Minister, Andhra Pradesh

• Vishnu Kumar Raju – Hon’ble MLA

• Palla Srinivasa Rao – Hon’ble MLA

• Mathukumilli Bharath – Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Visakhapatnam

• Nukasani Balaji – Chairman, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation

• Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy

• P. G. V. R. Naidu (Gana Babu)

• Peela Srinivasa Rao

• C. M. Ramesh

• Ganta Srinivasa Rao

• Ramakrishna Babu Velagapudi

• Vamsi Krishna Srinivas

• Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha

• Gumadi Sandhya Rani (Araku)

• Jalli Subhadra

• Vishnu Kumar Raju Penmetsa

• P. Ramesh Babu (Pendurthy)

• Pranav Gopal

• Gandi Babji

• Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu

• K. S. N. S. Raju

• Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy

• Konathala Ramakrishna

• Panchakarla Ramesh Babu

• Sundrapu Vijaykumar

Festival Overview

Visakha Utsav 2026 will be held from January 24 to February 1, 2026, spanning nine days across Vizag, Anakapalli, and Araku Valley.

The festival features 500+ events and activities,Multiple Venues, live concerts, Local Talent Shows, Kayaking, Boat Races, Rangoli Competions, Cooking Competitions, Marathon Run, Cycling Event,Treasure Hunt, Kabaddi and Volley Ball Leagues, Multiple Beach Games and an expected footfall of over two million visitors.

Vizag – Main Festival Hub

January 24 to January 31, 2026 | 8 Venues

Visakhapatnam serves as the primary anchor city of Visakha Utsav 2026, hosting large-scale programming across RK Beach, Gokul Park, Rushikonda Beach, Sagar Nagar Beach, Bheemili Beach, AU Engineering Grounds, Sun International College, and VMRDA Central Park.

Daily experiences across Vizag include sports and amusement zones, beach games, food courts, arts and crafts bazaars, water sports, helicopter rides, boat racing competitions, cultural contests, fashion showcases, Vizag Idol, and nightly drone shows.

Vizag Concert Line-up

January 24 – Sunitha

January 25 – Kamakshi (Live Violin Performance)

January 26 – Kanika Kapoor (Live Concert)

January 27 – Javed Ali (Live Concert)

January 28 – Geetha Madhuri (Live Concert)

January 29 – Abhijith Nair (Violin Performance)

January 30 – Ram Miriyala (Live Concert)

January 31 – Swetha Mohan (Live Concert)

Anakapalli – Culture, Spirituality and Eco-Tourism

January 29 to January 30, 2026 | 8 Venues

Anakapalli hosts a focused cultural and destination-led segment of Visakha Utsav 2026 across Bojjana Konda, Upamaka Temple, Nookambika Temple, Kondakarla Ava, Muthyalam Palem Beach, Revu Polavaram Beach, Bellam Market Yard, and NTR Stadium.

The programme highlights tribal and folk traditions such as Dhimsa, Kommu Koya, Puliveshalu, Garagalu, and Tappeta Gullu, along with destination showcases, interactive cultural performances, and public engagement activities.

Artist Performances

January 29 – Ram Miriyala

January 30 – Sunitha / Bheems

Araku Valley – Nature, Tribal Culture and Adventure

January 30 to February 1, 2026 | 9 Venues

Araku Valley presents the hill destination chapter of Visakha Utsav 2026, combining nature-based tourism, tribal culture, and adventure experiences across Lotheru - Pinery Track, Degree College Grounds, Padmapuram Gardens, Tribal Museum, Anantagiri trekking routes, Galikonda trekking routes, The Pinery, Helipad Point, and Madagada View Point.

Key highlights include cycling and marathon events, guided trekking, adventure sports, flower shows, tribal art festivals, cultural showcases, panel discussions, carnival walks, and grand evening concerts.

Araku Concert Line-up

January 30 – Geetha Madhuri

January 31 – Sunitha

February 1 – Tollywood Singers Jam Junction and Kerala Chenda & Water Drums

A Landmark Cultural Movement

With its multi-city design, extensive programming, and nation-scale footfall, Visakha Utsav 2026 - India’s Biggest Beach Festival stands as a defining cultural and tourism milestone for Andhra Pradesh.

The celebrations begin on the coast.

The experience spans the state.

The moment belongs to Andhra Pradesh.

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An Initiative By

Andhra Pradesh Tourism

Event Partners

Shreyas Group | Aadhyashree Infotainment Private Limited.