AP becoming leading tourism destination: Akhila Priya

Kurnool: Minister for Tourism, Telugu Language and Culture Bhuma Akhila Priyahas said that Andhra Pradesh is a state of opportunities. She reiterated these words on the occasion of two-day Ahobilam Music and Dance Festival organised at Lower Ahobilam temple on Tuesday.

The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department and the Andhra Pradesh Creativity and Culture Commission, under the Government of AP, have jointly hosted two-day event. BhumaAkhilaPriya inaugurated the grand classical music and dance event, which is a part of Annual Kalyana Mahotsavam, also known as AhobilamBrahmotsavam.

Speaking on the occasion, AkhilaPriya, said, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh has become a state of opportunities and is now the leading tourism destination in India.

At present, Andhra Pradesh is among the top 12 states for International tourist arrivals. The Ahobilam Music and Dance Festival became a major interest and acceptance amongst the larger community of music and dance lovers, she said.

The State Government is committed for promoting arts, music and dance by organising such cultural fests, which has been receiving enormous support from art lovers and the general public.The Two-day Music and Dance festival was started with traditional Nadaswaram concert by Kalyanapuram G Srinivasan with his best efforts and talent.

 TV Gangadaram’s legendary dance performance enthralled the audience and received a huge applause. With a strong grip on skills and rhythm, Flute maestroShashank Subramanyam’s flute recital also mesmerised the audience. Renowned Carnatic vocalists Ranjani and Gayatri gave their splendid performance. The brilliant duo sisters enthralled the gathering.

The first day of Dance and musical night was concluded with Kuchipudi dance performance from the traditional family of Vedantham, which gained huge applaud by the audience.  Thousands of devotees participated and witnessed the  programme, Thiru Kalyanotsavam, the divine wedding of Lord Narasimha Swamy, the presiding deity of Ahobilam.

The Festival aims at bringing to life the culture of Andhra Pradesh through the display of Music and artists from across the country and will feature the legendary artists. This festival will also boost Ahobilam as a popular pilgrim centre.