Vijayawada is an important city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, located about 400 km southwest of the state’s executive capital, Visakhapatnam. It is located on the banks of the Krishna river and geographically located in the center of Andhra Pradesh and is the second largest city in Andhra Pradesh. It has also been described as a commercial and educational capital. Also, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in India. Vijayawada, in 626 A.D. was founded by Paricchedi Kings. It is known from the history of Vijayawada that King Madhava Varma ruled Vijayawada, who was one of the kings of the Vishnukundina dynasty. Also, the Chinese Buddhist scholar Xuanzang came to Vijayawada and stay here for a few years in about 640 AD to make a copy and study the ‘Abhidhamma Pitaka’. The city is well-known in the state for its cultural history and its inhabitants are known as Vijayawadians. There is no shortage of religion, language, tradition, and festivals. Theppotsavam and Durga Pooja are important Hindu festivals on the river Krishna. This festival is mainly due to the existence of the self-manifested Kanaka Durga Temple. Also, an important setting for Christians is the Gunadala Mary Matha Church, which is illuminated with colorful lights on the eve of Christmas. The City Corporation organizes a festival called “Happy Sunday” at M.G. Road on the 1st Sunday of every month. During this time various sports, games, cultural programs, and activities like yoga are held. During this festival, local men wear traditional dhoti and Punjabi shirts and women wear sari and salwar-kameez. But in this modern age, western clothes have also become quite predominant.
