Orvakal gears up for the full moon festival

Andhra Pradesh state is all set to host Punnami Orvakal, the first ever full moon festival at Orvakal, 215kms away from Hyderabad in Orvakal Rock Garden at Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh.

Himanshu Shukla, CEO AP Tourism Authority, said, “The first ever ‘Full Moon Festivals’ to be celebrated at one of the best kept secrets of the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Andhra Pradesh Tourism has explored many venues across the State. These three billion-year-old rock formations are the ideal weekend getaway for Hyderabad, Bengaluru tourists”.

Organised under the aegis of Andhra Pradesh Tourism, Govt of Andhra Pradesh and the festival will be managed by Violet Worldwide.

The three-day festival will commence on June 9 on a grand-scale amidst the rock formations, considered being one of the oldest rock formations in the world, Shukla added. It will conclude on June 11.

The location (20kms away from Kurnool the city served as the capital of Andhra State from 1953–1956) is picturesque. It will be a perfect occasion to bid summer in style as the moon will be at its fullest, brightest and dazzling.

"The Full Moon festival is celebrated across the world. We wanted a weekend to coincide with the full moon. Fortunately, the timing of the local festival Eruvaka Poornima also adds significance to the event. We are confident that the importance of this place will grab public attention," says A Balram Babu, director, Violet Worldwide, who is managing the entire event on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism.

A vast stretch of 200 acres of government land will host the event. Accommodation will be given in categories of Platinum, Gold and Silver arenas and tickets are priced accordingly.

"Orvakal is one of the best-kept secrets of Andhra Pradesh. We want people in and around Hyderabad,Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Bengaluru and Karnataka to know and explore this place which has many things to offer," says Himanshu Shukla “The Andhra Pradesh Tourism welcomes people to be a part of this great and spectacular Festival to be held in a place that stood testimony for three billion years.

It will be a never before experience for the select few participants”, added Shukla. “An air-conditioned well furnished tented accommodation with all modern comforts will be provided to visitors. We have procured 100 tents from the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, the ones used in the Rann Utsav," says Shukla informing that nearly 30 tents have already been booked.

500 registered guests are expected. Besides them, the tourism officials are expecting the local crowd of over 5,000 people. The tickets are priced at Rs. 15,000 (Platinum), Rs. 10,000 (Gold) and Rs.5,000 (Silver). It includes food and accommodation for two days for four persons.

The organisers have lined up live performances by Shobana, one of the most sought after actresses and dancers; Revanth, Indian Idol Winner, and several other singers. Akshar The Band and Black Sheep will enthrall guests with their live band performances. Besides these performances, Venetian Carnival, Mind Reader Mohit Rao and Illusion Artists shows will be held.

Bookings for the festival can be made online through Book My Show, Mera Events For more details about the festival visit website: http://punnamiap.com