Annual festivals of arts and crafts are
held in March when artisans are invited
from all over the country. This helps in
establishing a direct contact between the
craftsmen and the buyers and also helps
in educating people on the value of their
rich cultural heritage.
Cultural activities are also held during
the ten days of Dussehra in October and
during the Sankrant Sandadi festival of
harvest in January. In order to provide
technical advice or any other guidance to
craftsmen, the crafts village organizes
camps and workshops.
A major attraction is the amphitheater
where rural and urban artistes meet and
interact through workshops, seminars and
festivals. Renowned classical dancers and
music maestros as well as young artistes
come here from all over the country to perform.
Special efforts are made to encourage folk
and tribal art. Folk performances by artistes
from the interiors of Andhra Pradesh provide
an opportunity to the urban audience to
experience the nuances of rural life and
culture. Dances like the Koya of the hunting
class; Dhimsa, the mild and gentle dance
of women; Dappulu, a dance with simple percussion
instruments; Veera Natyam, the arduous dance
with acrobatic skills and a dozen more are
performed. Folk theater and spirited street plays
with an element of humor, all add color
and represent the primary impulse of the
hill folk and tribes.
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