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Telangana culture gets its newest address at Telangana Festival

It was an evening dedicated to India’s 29th state — Telangana. Generously peppered with dhol beats, vibrant dance performances, soulful musical renditions, an expansive exhibition of handicrafts and a delectable spread, Wednesday’s ‘Telangana Festival’ organised by The Park, Hyderabad, in association with the department of culture and language, the department of tourism, The Telangana stores, upheld every distinctive characteristic of the state, which many old-timers rue, had lost its individuality during the days of united Andhra Pradesh.

“The battle that we fought so far has been of a different kind. Now, we need to fight to reinstate our identity through culture and food,” said state minister of IT & Panchayat Raj, K T Rama Rao, after inaugurating the programme that saw a host of artistes from across the state come together to give the gathering a sneak-peak into the unique performing arts forms of Telangana. Also present at the event was former IAS officer B V Pappa Rao, now serving as advisor to the Telangana government.

While a group from Nizamabad narrated historical tales through Chindu Yakshnagam (a traditional dance form), another from Nalgonda gave the audience a taste of Dappu Dance, traditionally performed by the Harijan community and best known for its vivacious rhythm. Adding to the exuberance were troupes from Warangal and Khammam who performed Oggudollu (a folk dance form accompanied by dhol) and Kommu Koya (unique to the Koya tribe) respectively. There was also a Qawwali show that left the audience enthralled giving a rustic yet exquisite touch to the inaugural festival were art works on display that comprised zardosi handicrafts, lac bangles, Pochampally fabric, among others.

“To ensure that Telangana art and culture is understood and appreciated by one and all and this concept of cultural amalgamation is exhibited at the national and international level, the state government, in the days to come, will do more and ensure that the work started by these artistes gains larger visibility,” Rama Rao said, adding, “The IT department is already working on promoting various art forms – like Nirmal, Bidri, silver filigree, Ikaat – through online market places.”

Apart from arts and crafts, the festival, which will continue till March 1, also comprised a food festival that promoted various delicacies of the new state such as Ooru Kodi Seekulu, Kalchina Mamsam, Jonna Rottelu, Sarva Pindi, along with other dishes. Over the next few days, the food fair will travel across all 10 districts of Telangana to bring to the city the many flavours of the state.

“I am glad that the festival has incorporated the food component. It will help this generation know about the traditional food habits of the people of Telangana,” said state tourism minister Azmeera Chandulal.

Source: Times of India

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