Being the capital of a state with a very cultural heritage, Hyderabad offers glimpse of a variety of performing arts which is unique to Andhra Pradesh, Kuchipudi, classical dance form, derives its name from village just north of the Krishna delta.

Historically, Kuchipudi presented scenes the Hindu epics and mythological tales through dance-dramas that combined music, dance acting. The lyrics are mostly Telugu, Sanskrit is also used. Shadow puppetry is another famous folk art. Perforated leather puppets depicting mythological characters from the Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, are handled with bamboo sticks against a brilliant lamplit background. This is performed to the accompaniment of percussion instruments and lyrical narrations.

As many as 19 tribes inhabit the Araku Valley, 115 km from Visakhapatnam. Their repertoire of colourful dances and folk songs, an essential part of religious processions and harvest celebrations are another facet of the state’s cultural traditions.

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