Locals from tribal communities performing Dhimsa dance in Bosubeda near Araku Valley
| Photo Credit:
KR DEEPAK
When the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport opens at Bhogapuram, near Visakhapatnam, it will not just launch flights – it will bring to the fore the rhythms of Andhra Pradesh’s indigenous culture. Before the first commercial flights take off, the tarmac will vibrate to the synchronised steps of 13,000 tribal dancers performing the ancient Dhimsa dance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the greenfield airport, developed by the GMR Group, on August 1. He will also address a public meeting after the inauguration. According to Andhra Pradesh Minister Kondapalli, commercial operations at the airport will commence on August 17.
It is not just the inaugural festivities; the airport’s name also strikes an emotional chord with the local people. Alluri Sitarama Raju was a celebrated revolutionary who united the tribal communities of the Manyam region and led the heroic Rampa Rebellion against British colonial rule, eventually laying down his life for the cause.
Cultural expression
According to an Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department official, Dhimsa is the best-known cultural expression of the hill tribes of the Araku Valley. Typically performed by groups of 15- 20 women dressed in colourful traditional sarees and ornaments, the dance features synchronised circular movements set to the rhythm of indigenous instruments played by male members of the community. These include the Mori, a wind instrument, and the Thudum and Dappu drums.
The synchronised movements reflect communal unity, friendship and the deep bond between tribal communities and nature, while the dance’s various forms portray worship, hunting, agriculture and everyday life.
Nearly 3 lakh people from Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Anakapalli and Parvathipuram Manyam districts are expected to attend the event. Around 5,000 buses will transport participants from 36 Assembly constituencies to the venue.
LED screens
MT Krishna Babu, Chief Officer of the Airport Inauguration Committee, said one LED screen would be installed for every 5,000 attendees to enable the audience to watch the Prime Minister’s address.
The inauguration of the Bhogapuram airport is significant for the N Chandrababu Naidu-led government, as it was one of the alliance’s key promises ahead of the elections. Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Ltd (GVIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Airports Ltd, the airport will initially be equipped to handle six million passengers annually. Its capacity can be scaled up to more than 40 million passengers per annum in subsequent phases.
Published on July 26, 2026
