Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The much-anticipated Araku Utsav, a winter festival held in the picturesque Araku Valley of Alluri district, commenced with grandeur on Friday. The festival, officially named Chali Utsav-25, was inaugurated by Alluri district collector A.S. Dinesh Kumar at the Government Degree College grounds.

The festival features a diverse array of tribal cuisines and commercial crops showcased through specially curated stalls. Artists from seven states have joined the event, enriching its cultural vibrancy with their performances. The presence of IAS officers further added a unique charm, as they donned traditional pink turbans and enthusiastically participated in folk dances. A standout moment of the festival was IAS officer Abhishek’s rendition of the popular Telugu song, delighting the audience.

Authorities have meticulously planned the three-day festival to ensure an enjoyable experience for both locals and visitors. With the event falling on a weekend, a surge in tourist footfall is anticipated, particularly on Saturday and Sunday. The festivities are expected to attract thousands, further cementing Araku’s reputation as a top winter tourism destination in Andhra Pradesh.

One of the most exciting attractions of this year’s festival is paragliding, which has become a major highlight. The adventure sport was officially launched by Collector Dinesh Kumar, ITDA PO Abhishek, and Joint Collector Abhishek Gowda. Enthusiasts soared 200 feet above the valley, experiencing an adrenaline rush, while a team from Pune assisted in the paragliding activities.

Collector Dinesh Kumar announced plans to make paragliding a permanent feature in Araku, aiming to develop the region as an adventure tourism hub with the active participation of the local community. The initiative is expected to boost tourism and provide new economic opportunities for the region’s residents.

With one more day of festivities ahead, Araku Utsav 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for attendees. The festival is not only a celebration of Araku’s vibrant culture and adventure sports but also a testament to the region’s growing prominence as a major tourism hotspot.