https://indianpedia.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Gurajada_Kalakshetram_VisakhapatnamGurajada Kalakshetram Visakhapatnam - Revision history2026-08-01T02:03:43ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.45.4https://indianpedia.org/index.php?title=Gurajada_Kalakshetram_Visakhapatnam&diff=473826&oldid=prevKanna chan at 16:36, 20 December 20252025-12-20T16:36:21Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{short description|Cultural center and auditorium in Visakhapatnam}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2025}}<br />
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2022}}<br />
{{Infobox Theatre <br />
|name = Gurajada Kalakshetram<br />
|address = [[Siripuram, Visakhapatnam|Siripuram]]<br />
|city = [[Visakhapatnam]]<br />
|country = India<br />
|image = <br />
|caption = <br />
|coordinates = {{coord|17.720325|83.318467|display=inline}}<br />
|designation = <br />
|architect = <br />
|owner = [[Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority]]<br />
|tenant = <br />
|operator = <br />
|capacity = 2,300<br />
|type = <br />
|opened = 1986<br />
|reopened = <br />
|years_active = 1986 onwards<br />
|rebuilt = <br />
|closed = <br />
|demolished =<br />
|other_names = <br />
|production = <br />
|current_use = <br />
|website = <br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Gurajada Kalakshetram''' is an [[open-air theatre]] located in [[Visakhapatnam]], in the Indian state of [[Andhra Pradesh]]. Named after the Telugu playwright and poet [[Gurajada Apparao]], the venue is used for cultural performances, public events, and official gatherings. It is considered one of the notable cultural venues in the North Coastal Andhra region.<ref>{{cite news |title=Eminent poet Gurajada remembered |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/eminent-poet-gurajada-remembered/articleshow/71237253.cms |work=The Times of India |date=21 September 2019 |access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><br />
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== History ==<br />
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The auditorium was inaugurated in 1986 by the then [[Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh]]. It was established to commemorate the literary contributions of Gurajada Apparao, particularly his work ''[[Kanyasulkam]]'', a significant play in modern Telugu theatre.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stone laid for renovation of Gurajada Kalakshetram |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2016/Mar/28/stone-laid-for-renovation-of-gurajada-kalakshetram-917024.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=28 March 2016 |access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=7 famous auditoriums in Vizag which have hosted countless shows |url=https://www.yovizag.com/7-famous-auditoriums-in-vizag-which-have-hosted-countless-shows/ |website=Yo Vizag |date=16 July 2021 |access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> Since its establishment, the venue has hosted various drama festivals, music concerts, and official programs.<br />
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== Renovation ==<br />
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In 2018, the [[Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation]] (GVMC) undertook renovation works at the site. An amount of approximately ₹20&nbsp;million was allocated to upgrade the seating, acoustics, and stage infrastructure. After renovation, the auditorium was reported to have a seating capacity of around 3,000, along with improved facilities for performers and the audience.<ref>{{cite news |title=Visakhapatnam’s iconic theatre Gurajada Kalakshetram set for inauguration by Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu |url=https://www.yovizag.com/visakhapatnam-iconic-theater-gurajada-kalakshetram-set-for-inauguration-by-andhra-pradesh-cm-chandrababu-naidu/ |work=Yo Vizag |date=25 March 2024 |access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><br />
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== Community impact ==<br />
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Gurajada Kalakshetram is also used for public meetings, educational seminars, and civic events. Its location near [[Siripuram, Visakhapatnam|Siripuram]] Junction makes it accessible to both residents and visitors. The GVMC leases the venue for private functions, which generates revenue for municipal operations and maintenance.<ref>{{cite news |title=International Women's Day medical camp at Visakha Gurajada Kalakshetram |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/uploads/2024/epaper/march/vijayawada-english-edition-2024-03-14.pdf |work=The Pioneer |date=14 March 2024 |access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><br />
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== Architecture ==<br />
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The auditorium features a semi-open architectural design, suitable for the coastal climate of Visakhapatnam. It includes a large raised stage and tiered seating to allow clear views for the audience. Recent upgrades have improved amenities, including landscaping, parking facilities, and green areas around the premises.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gurajada Kalakshetram |url=https://vizagexplore.weebly.com/landmarks.html#GURAJADA_KALAKSHETRAM |website=Vizag Explore |access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><br />
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== See also ==<br />
* [[RK Beach]]<br />
* [[Visakhapatnam]]<br />
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==References==<br />
<references /><br />
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[[Category:Convention centres in India]]<br />
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Visakhapatnam]]<br />
[[Category:Theatres in India]]<br />
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{{Visakhapatnam}}</div>Kanna chan