By Rupa Seenaraine
Authentic South Indian culture is an unforgettable experience for persons with Indian roots or just tourists, and Andhra Pradesh provides an introduction to the culture like no other.
Last week, the journey to the motherland India began with a general overview of the land and the feel of the city life, primarily in Delhi where the historic sites are surrounded by billboards and skyscrapers.
However, a trip to this southern state brings indescribable peace. With the partner State, Andhra Pradesh, our Know India Programme participants would have spent 14 days experiencing the local culture, people and practices which, without a doubt, are unparalleled to anywhere else in the world.
The State is the eighth largest of India’s 28 states, home to Telugu and Telangana languages. From Indira Gandhi International Airport to Vijayawada Airport, the journey starts thereafter with the warmest welcome from local officials. If there is one thing to remember, the local hospitality is remarkable.
After the first evening in Guntur with traditional dances by the womenfolk, the second day captured the craftsmanship of the people, with a visit to Kondipalli to observe the manufacturing of handmade toys and other merchandises – from embroidered purses, little dolls and wooden boxes, all hand-carved and decorated.
In the villages, a cluster of toy shops brings out the inner child and while the same products might be sold in many of them, the desire to check them all will overcome you. In other sections, the villagers have a notch for saree making and designing, all hand-woven from simple threads. The final result is one of the finest products on the market.
Later that night, we were able to witness the Kondipalli Fort light show just a short distance away, with unmatched technology through projected lights to take you through the history till date. This is probably one of the most fascinating sights to experience.
In Vijayawada and generally Andhra Pradesh, the classical dances have also been preserved to the point, and we were able to witness and participate in the Kuchipudi dance, bringing the South Indian experience to life with calculated gestures and expressions.
On a regular day, the sunny weather is coupled with persons bustling through the streets to carry out their daily routines while chai and other street food are sold at almost every corner. In the cool nights, shopping is a must. Right next to the local markets are malls and shopping plazas. Maybe one of the best contributions from the vast South Indian community is its intricate jewellery and clothing, with the definite addition of bright colours.
In the middle of our stay, the communities were preparing for Makar Sankranti or the harvest festival – where cows would dance, large bonfires are lit and the entire festival is celebrated with great zest. The symbolism of the bonfire is quite interesting, with old items being discarded to welcome transformation and new beginnings. That day, many of us took a ride in the bull carts, which give the experience of rural life.
The following day, however, would be the climax of the celebrations, where we spent an entire day in the village for the actual Makar Sankranti celebration. There, the expectation was far different from what I would’ve pictured beforehand.
From our arrival, the greetings were probably the warmest I’ve ever experienced throughout my life, and the air filled with the scent of fresh flowers, rangolis, distant chattering and snacks being made in the open can be relived almost every day.
Upon glancing up, the villagers had already gathered to partake in the celebrations with little girls all bedecked in their traditional attired to perform. While they were eager to showcase their culture, they were even more intrigued to learn about ours and the culture in our country. As the ceremony was over, they were generous enough to call us on stage to dance with them.
Apart from the group, one memory of mine which could never be erased is a friend that I met during the celebrations, Leela. Throughout the rather busy day, I could never forget her curiosity to learn about my culture and the feeling of being comfortable in a place I’d only been to for just a few hours.
This session of the tour ended our stay as we then moved to Visakhapatnam, the City of Destiny. The city, considered the largest in Andhra Pradesh, has modelled sustainable measures to fight pollution and other ills – completely commendable. However, the scenery of beaches stretching miles away with parasailing and other activities is mesmerising.
A walk along the hilltops of Kailasagiri would bring you to the peak of the city, where the park was developed with the use of tropical plants and flora. The journey culminates with a sight of a monumental Shiva-Parvati Statue dressed in white.
Apart from these locations, the state is known for its amazing sight-seeing and sites for those with a wanderlust drive. Hours of driving was worth it for the majestic view in Araku Valley, with towering mountains and fresh air. Through the spiralling drive, the valley region is surrounded by the thick forests of the Eastern Ghats mountain range. And just a short distance away is brought us to the Tribal Museum, dedicated to a number of indigenous tribes.
The last visit of the journey extended to Borra Caves, the largest in the country and later made into a tourist destination with the introduction of modern lighting. Though the narrow lanes might give a scare, the pictures were totally worth it.
While experiencing Andhra Pradesh, the most interesting facet of the land is definitely its people. On one occasion, we were given an entire container filled with bananas – surely a memory to remember.
