A cultural treat on a Rajamahendravaram street

Amaravathi Chitra Kala Veedhi showcases diverse art forms, cultural performances, and amateur artists in a national art festival.

Hundreds of artists and traditional craft persons on Friday displayed their creations at the Amaravathi Chitra Kala Veedhi, a national art festival ogranised by the AP State Creativity and Culture Commission and the Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation here.

The solo and group works were displayed in 500 stalls erected along the stretch of the Rajamahendravaram Central Prison.

The paintings by the inmates of the Central Prison, sculptures of iconic figures of India by Rajkumar Vudayar, Srikalahasthi-style Kalamkari art by erstwhile Chittoor artisans were among the attractions. Unique creations on paper with millets and leaves have stolen the hearts of the children.

Cultural performances, including tribal dances, Kuchipudi and Andhra Natyam, and folk dances enthralled the visitors.

Many amateur artists were given an opportunity to showcase their work and all the artists were allowed to sell their works. 

A Border Security Force (BSF) soldier, P. Rama Rao of Uddanam region in Srikakulam district, displayed his acrylic paintings on the theme ‘life along the border’. Posted in the Naxal-hit Chhattisgarh, Mr. Rao participated in the festival by taking leave for four days.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the art festival, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh claimed that the cultural glory of Rajamahendravaram was celebrated during the festival, which was ignored by the previous government. Deputy Speaker R. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju lauded the initiative.