Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the New Year 2026 in a distinctive manner by sharing a video of the first sunrise from the picturesque Araku Valley in Alluri Sitarama Raju district. The video was posted on his social media handle on X early on January 1, accompanied by New Year greetings and a message describing Andhra Pradesh as a “Sunrise State.”

The visuals captured the sun emerging in golden hues through mist-laden hills, offering a striking view of the Eastern Ghats. Within a short time of being posted, the video garnered thousands of views and triggered an outpouring of positive reactions from netizens, many of whom described the scene as a natural gift bestowed upon the state.

Araku Valley, known for its sprawling coffee plantations, rich tribal culture, and scenic landscapes, lies in the Eastern Ghats and is among the regions in the country to witness one of the earliest sunrises. The Chief Minister’s post aligned closely with the government’s broader narrative of projecting Andhra Pradesh as a state focused on renewal, economic resurgence, and future-oriented development under the “Sunrise State” branding.

The post further amplified Araku’s appeal as a tourism destination, with several users suggesting initiatives such as photography competitions to promote the valley’s natural beauty.