Over 2,000 people participate in TAUK’s Bathukamma handloom celebrations, Dasara in London

Dasara celebrations included special prayers to the Shammi tree brought from India, followed by the traditional gathering of Alai Balai, which symbolizes friendship, goodwill and social harmony. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Over 2,000 members of the Telangana diaspora participated in the Bathukamma and Dasara celebrations organized by the Telangana Association of United Kingdom (TAUK) in London, with a special focus on promoting handwoven products and showcasing the state’s cultural heritage.

Anil Kurmachalam, former chairman of Telangana State Film Development Corporation and founder of TAUK, attended the celebrations as a 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. Also present was Chandrashekar Goud, head of the local British Telugu Chamber of Commerce.

TAUK President Rathnakar Kadudula said the association continued its efforts to promote the handloom sector, taking inspiration from the initiatives taken during the tenure of former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and the efforts of former minister KT Rama Rao.

As part of this commitment, the association organized festivities on the theme of Handloom Bathukamma and Dasara and encouraged the participants to wear handloom clothes.

The celebrations featured traditional Bathukamma songs, floral arrangements, cultural performances, Kolatam dances and traditional games. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

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

Dasara celebrations included special prayers to the Shammi tree brought from India, followed by the traditional gathering of Alai Balai, which symbolizes friendship, goodwill and social harmony. Participants exchanged hand-woven scarves and Jammi (Shami) leaves, traditionally considered symbols of gold, and greeted each other.

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 emphasized the importance of mutual respect, cultural diversity and unity in a multicultural city like London and assured the community of their support whenever local help is needed.

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

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

Participants included Anil Kurmachalam, founder of TAUK; Rathnakar Kadudula, President of TAUK; Shushmuna Reddy, Suresh Budagam and Rakesh Patel, Vice Presidents of TAUK; Supraja Pulusu, Satyapal and Srikanth Jella, General Secretaries of TAUK; Ashok Dusari, organizer of TAUK; Matta Reddy, Chairman of the Supervisory Board; 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 and Tarun Vegaraju along with youth leaders, Prave Vegaraju and others.

Published – 19 Oct 2026 19:27 IST