Vijayawada Hosts Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam 2025: A Festival of Music and Culture, What You Need To Know

Published on December 6, 2025

The city of Vijayawada will host the highly anticipated Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam festival on 6th and 7th December 2025, showcasing the rich heritage of Telugu Carnatic music. Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, and Sangeet Natak Akademi, with support from the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department, the festival celebrates the depth of local music traditions and positions Vijayawada as a key cultural tourism hub in India. This year’s theme, “Celebrating the Richness of Telugu Music Traditions,” aims to draw both music enthusiasts and cultural tourists to the heart of Andhra Pradesh.

A Showcase of Telugu Music and Culture

The Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam festival has become a prestigious event that brings together world-renowned artists, musicians, and dancers. In 2025, the festival promises to be even more exciting, with 18 concerts featuring 98 artists spread over the two days. The main performances will take place at Tummalapallivari Kshetrayya Kalakshetram, a prominent cultural venue in Vijayawada. The festival will serve as a platform for showcasing the classical music traditions of Andhra Pradesh while emphasising community participation through local talent.

A special dawn rendition of Pancharatna Kritis will be presented at Durga Ghat on 7th December at 7:00 AM, led by the Malladi Brothers. This performance, involving faculty and students from the Government Music Colleges of Vijayawada and Guntur, highlights the festival’s commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting local musical traditions. The Pancharatna Kritis, a key composition in Carnatic music, is a spiritual offering that resonates with both musicians and audience members.

Pre-Festival Concerts and Statewide Engagement

Ahead of the main event in Vijayawada, the festival held a series of prequel concerts at culturally significant temples in Andhra Pradesh. These concerts, held in Srikalahasti (29 Nov 2025), Simhachalam (1 Dec 2025), and Srisailam (2 Dec 2025), were part of the festival’s effort to engage the local community and celebrate regional music traditions. These events have also helped generate excitement and awareness around the festival, further encouraging local and regional participation.

The festival not only focuses on music but also incorporates Andhra Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage through crafts and textile exhibitions. The exhibition will feature GI-tagged crafts such as Kondapalli Toys, Etikoppaka Lacquerware, Udayagiri Wooden Cutlery, and handloom textiles from Mangalagiri, Venkatagiri, Chirala, Uppada, and Moragudi. The focus on local crafts supports the national Vocal for Local initiative, which aims to empower artisans and promote Indian-made products.

The Role of Local Stakeholders in Promoting Cultural Tourism

Local tourism and hospitality players in Vijayawada are playing an active role in ensuring the success of the festival. The Andhra Pradesh Star Hotels Association (ASHA) has contributed significantly by facilitating press interactions, providing support for the event’s outreach, and ensuring a smooth experience for attendees. The active participation of local tourism bodies helps amplify the festival’s impact, attracting visitors from both within India and abroad.

The festival’s cultural tourism angle benefits the hospitality and travel sectors, with special packages, tours, and accommodations being offered by local hotels and resorts to cater to an influx of visitors during the festival. As a result, the event is expected to not only promote Telugu music but also strengthen Vijayawada’s tourism infrastructure, enhancing its appeal as a cultural destination.

What This Means for Travellers and Cultural Enthusiasts

For travellers and culture seekers, the Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam festival presents an immersive experience into Telugu classical music. Visitors can enjoy performances by some of the leading Carnatic musicians, learn about the region’s rich musical heritage, and explore Andhra Pradesh’s crafts and textiles. The festival offers a great opportunity for those interested in Indian culture to experience an authentic and vibrant celebration of music, spirituality, and art.

In addition to the festival itself, Vijayawada is a city of historical significance, with landmarks like Kanaka Durga Temple and Prakasam Barrage, which visitors can explore. The inclusion of local tourism, cultural exhibitions, and community activities makes this event a unique blend of traditional music and regional tourism.

A Vibrant Festival of Music and Culture

The Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam 2025 festival is an excellent opportunity for cultural tourists to immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions of Telugu music while experiencing the rich heritage of Andhra Pradesh. With a compelling mix of Carnatic music performances, community engagement, and artisan exhibitions, the festival positions Vijayawada as a key cultural tourism destination. The ongoing efforts by local stakeholders to integrate music, crafts, and hospitality will continue to bolster the region’s tourism appeal for years to come.