- 1 November
- Formed in 1956
- Andhra State came first, in 1953
- Telugu language and culture
Where it began
In the years after independence, many people in the Telugu-speaking areas of the old Madras State asked for a state of their own, so that the language and its people could grow together.
Potti Sriramulu began a fast for a separate Andhra State in 1952 and died after many days of fasting. His sacrifice moved people deeply, and Andhra State was formed on 1 October 1953 with Kurnool as its capital.
Under the States Reorganisation Act, Andhra State and the Telugu-speaking areas of Hyderabad State were joined to form Andhra Pradesh on 1 November 1956, with Hyderabad as its capital.
How it grew over time
1952
Potti Sriramulu fasts for a Telugu state and dies in Madras in December, a moment remembered with deep respect.
1953
Andhra State is formed on 1 October, the first state in India formed on the basis of language.
1956
Andhra Pradesh is formed on 1 November by joining Andhra State with Telugu-speaking areas of Hyderabad State.
2014
Telangana becomes a separate state, and Andhra Pradesh continues as the state of the coastal and Rayalaseema regions.
Today
The day is marked with flag hoisting, cultural programmes and awards across the state.
How it is celebrated in different places
Amaravati and Vijayawada
State functions with flag hoisting, honours for achievers and cultural shows.
Visakhapatnam and the coast
Schools and colleges hold programmes on Telugu history, songs and Kuchipudi dance.
Rayalaseema
Towns such as Tirupati and Kurnool hold processions and remember the road to the state.
Telugu families abroad
Telugu associations in the US, UK, Gulf and Australia hold cultural evenings with food and music.
Andhra Pradesh Formation Day moments
Andhra Pradesh Formation Day today
Government offices and schools hoist flags, garland statues of Potti Sriramulu and hold cultural shows. Kuchipudi, folk songs and Telugu poems fill the stages, and families share festive food and pride in their language.
