Cultural splendour marks Bhogapuram airport inauguration

The North Coastal Andhra region wore a festive look on Saturday (August 1, 2026) as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the state-of-the-art Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram.

Transformed into a vibrant carnival ground, the greenfield aviation hub witnessed an unprecedented convergence of enthusiastic crowds, cultural splendour, and high-energy political celebrations, marking a historic milestone for the region.

From the early hours of Saturday, arterial routes leading to the venue echoed with electrifying slogans. Ecstatic supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan transformed the surroundings by waving party flags and raising thunderous cheers that reverberated across the sprawling complex. The high-octane political atmosphere mirrored the profound public enthusiasm.

A 90-foot-tall structural installation of the GI-tagged Etikoppaka wooden toys outside the terminal building of the Alluri Sitharama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district on Saturday.
| Photo Credit:
K.R. DEEPAK

Visitors, families, and first-time flyers made the most of the historic occasion, enthusiastically capturing memories. The enthusiastic visitors clicked selfies against the backdrop of the massive 90-foot-tall structural installation of the GI-tagged Etikoppaka wooden toys and the gleaming glass-and-steel façade. Social media feeds across the State were flooded with snapshots from the venue, capturing the awe of citizens embracing a global-standard gateway.

The inauguration transcended a formal State function, evolving into a celebration of Andhra Pradesh’s rich cultural tapestry and economic future. As traditional folk troupes beat rhythmic drums and visitors marvelled at the modern infrastructure, the opening of Bhogapuram Airport established itself not merely as a runway for economic growth, but as a defining moment of shared public joy.

Cultural troupes from various districts—including Guntur, Chittoor, Amalapuram, Srikakulam, and Visakhapatnam—presented an eclectic mix of classical and folk performances near the main venue. Traditional art forms such as Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Thappetagullu, Garagalu, and energetic drum performances filled the air with festive fervor. The events were meticulously coordinated by officials from Maharaja Music College, the District Educational Office, and the Tourism Department.