“Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav is a celebration of India’s unity in diversity — where every state, every tradition, and every art form finds its voice on a national stage.” — President Droupadi Murmu
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the second edition of Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav at the iconic Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. This grand celebration, dedicated to India’s cultural diversity, focuses on the vibrant traditions of Southern India — including Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and the Union Territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
From mesmerizing classical dance performances and traditional handicraft exhibitions to regional literature and culinary delights, this event provides an immersive experience into the cultural richness of Southern India. The festival is scheduled from March 6–9, 2025.
🎭 What is Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav?
Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav is a nationwide cultural initiative aimed at celebrating India’s diverse heritage. The festival is structured into seven editions, each focusing on a specific geographical region of India. The second edition (2025) shines a spotlight on South India, ensuring that every aspect of its history, traditions, and art forms are showcased on a grand stage.
The festival provides a platform for artisans, folk performers, and writers while encouraging economic opportunities for weavers, craftsmen, and culinary experts. It also promotes inter-state cultural exchange and educates visitors on South India’s deep-rooted traditions.
Think of Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav as a “cultural Olympics” for India’s heritage! Just as the Olympics has different sports, this festival has different editions — each celebrating a different region of India. The 2nd edition is like the “South India Games” where Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry showcase their best art, food, dance, and crafts!
| Edition | Region Focus |
|---|---|
| 1st Edition | Inaugural nationwide showcase |
| 2nd Edition (2025) | South India (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, AP, Lakshadweep, Puducherry) |
| Future Editions | Northeast, North, East, West, and Central India |
✨ Festival Highlights 2025
The 2025 edition brings together the vibrant traditions of seven states and Union Territories from South India, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.
| State/UT | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| Karnataka | Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha, Mysore Silk Weaving, Ragi Mudde |
| Kerala | Kathakali, Coir Crafts, Malabar Parotta, Kerala Sadya |
| Tamil Nadu | Bharatanatyam, Kanchipuram Sarees, Dosa, Idli, Sambar |
| Telangana | Perini Dance, Lacquerware, Kalamkari, Hyderabadi Biryani |
| Andhra Pradesh | Kuchipudi, Pattachitra, Bell Metal Craft, Pesarattu |
| Lakshadweep | Coral Jewelry, Coconut Shell Crafts, Seafood Specialties |
| Puducherry | Folk Theatre, French-Tamil fusion culture, Seafood |
7 Regions: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Lakshadweep, Puducherry | 500+ artisans | 4 days (March 6-9) | President Murmu inaugurated | Rashtrapati Bhavan venue
💃 Performances: Classical Dance & Music
The festival brings India’s vibrant performing arts to life through classical dance, folk performances, and live music concerts. Each performance is expertly curated to showcase the storytelling, emotions, and rhythm that define South India’s cultural landscape.
| Art Form | Origin State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bharatanatyam | Tamil Nadu | Classical dance with intricate footwork and expressions |
| Kathakali | Kerala | Dance-drama with elaborate costumes and makeup |
| Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh | Classical dance combining drama and devotion |
| Perini | Telangana | Warrior dance performed by men |
| Yakshagana | Karnataka | Traditional theatre combining dance, music, dialogue |
| Dollu Kunitha | Karnataka | Drum dance performed in groups |
| Carnatic Music | South India | Classical music tradition with live concerts |
Why does South India have such rich classical dance traditions? The region’s temple culture played a crucial role — dances like Bharatanatyam were originally performed in temples as devotional offerings. The Bhakti movement and royal patronage helped preserve and evolve these art forms over centuries.
🎨 Handicrafts & Cuisine Showcase
Over 500 artisans and weavers from various states showcase their heritage through live demonstrations and interactive workshops. Visitors can not only purchase these exquisite handicrafts but also learn the intricate skills behind them.
| Handicraft | State |
|---|---|
| Mysore Silk Weaving | Karnataka |
| Kanchipuram & Madurai Handloom Sarees | Tamil Nadu |
| Pattachitra Art & Bell Metal Craft | Andhra Pradesh |
| Coir & Coconut Shell Crafts | Kerala |
| Lacquerware & Kalamkari | Telangana |
| Coral Jewelry | Lakshadweep |
| Cuisine | State |
|---|---|
| Dosa, Idli & Sambar | Tamil Nadu |
| Malabar Parotta & Kerala Sadya | Kerala |
| Hyderabadi Biryani | Telangana |
| Pesarattu | Andhra Pradesh |
| Ragi Mudde & Bisibele Bath | Karnataka |
| Seafood Specialties | Lakshadweep & Puducherry |
Don’t confuse: Kuchipudi is from Andhra Pradesh (NOT Telangana). Perini is from Telangana. Kalamkari is practiced in BOTH states but traditionally associated with Andhra Pradesh. Remember: “Kuchipudi starts with K, AP starts with A — both different letters, same state!”
🌍 Impact & Significance
The Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav has significant economic, social, and cultural implications for India’s heritage preservation efforts.
| Impact Area | Significance |
|---|---|
| Economic Empowerment | Connects artisans and entrepreneurs with new market opportunities |
| Cultural Preservation | Ensures regional traditions are passed to future generations |
| National Integration | Celebrates India’s unity in diversity across communities |
| Tourism Boost | Attracts global attention at Rashtrapati Bhavan venue |
| Artist Recognition | Provides visibility and economic stability to traditional artists |
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The 2nd edition of Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
The 2025 edition focuses on 7 regions: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry (5 states + 2 UTs).
The festival is held from March 6-9, 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
Kuchipudi is a classical dance form from Andhra Pradesh, not Telangana. Perini is from Telangana.
Over 500 artisans and weavers from South Indian states showcase their handicrafts at the festival.
