Over 2,000 attend TAUK’s handloom-themed Bathukamma, Dasara celebrations in London

More than 2,000 members of the Telangana diaspora participated in the Bathukamma and Dasara celebrations organised by the Telangana Association of United Kingdom (TAUK) in London, with a special focus on promoting handloom products and showcasing the State’s cultural heritage.

Anil Kurmachalam, former chairman of the Telangana State Film Development Corporation and founder of TAUK, attended the celebrations as the special guest. Other prominent guests included Ruth Cadbury, Member of Parliament; former MP Virendra Sharma; Hounslow Mayor Ranjit Gill; and Hounslow Council leader Shantanu Rajawat. Chandrashekar Goud, a leader of the local UK Telugu Business Chamber, was also present.

TAUK president Rathnakar Kadudula said the association had continued its efforts to support the handloom sector, drawing inspiration from initiatives taken during the tenure of former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and the efforts of former Minister K.T. Rama Rao.

As part of this commitment, the association had organised the festivities around the theme of Handloom Bathukamma and Dasara, encouraging participants to wear handloom clothing.

The celebrations featured traditional Bathukamma songs, floral arrangements, cultural performances, Kolatam dances and traditional games. Women offered prayers to Goddess Gauri, while children enthusiastically participated with their own Bathukammas.

Traditional Alai Balai in London

The Dasara festivities included special prayers to a Shammi tree brought from India, followed by the traditional Alai Balai gathering, which symbolises friendship, goodwill and social harmony. Participants exchanged handloom shawls and Jammi (Shami) leaves, traditionally regarded as symbols of gold, and extended festive greetings to one another.

The visiting dignitaries appreciated the Telangana community’s contribution to public service and TAUK’s efforts to preserve and promote the State’s traditions abroad. They emphasised the importance of mutual respect, cultural diversity and unity in a multicultural city such as London, and assured the community of their support whenever local assistance was required.

TAUK advisory board chairman Matta Reddy and events in-charge Malla Reddy said the association sought to incorporate social responsibility into its activities. Vice-presidents Shushmuna Reddy, Suresh Budagam and Rakesh Patel reiterated their commitment to taking Telangana’s culture to a wider international audience.

Gold coins were presented to the best Bathukammas, while gifts were distributed to women who brought floral arrangements to the event.

Those who attended included Anil Kurmachalam, TAUK founder; Rathnakar Kadudula, TAUK President; Shushmuna Reddy, Suresh Budagam and Rakesh Patel, TAUK Vice-Presidents; Supraja Pulusu, Satyapal and Srikanth Jella, TAUK General Secretaries; Ashok Dusari, TAUK Convener; Matta Reddy, Advisory Board Chairman; and key members Malla Reddy, Ganesh Kuppala, Pavithra Kandi, Swathi Budagam, Satya Murthy Chilumala, Venkat Reddy Dontula, Satyam Kandi, Ravi Retineni, Ravi Pradeep, Hari Goud Nawabpet, Kranthi Retineni, Jahnavi, Shashi, Teja, Nikhil, Nagaraju and Praveen Veera, along with youth wing leader Tarun and others.