Alay Balay Fetes Brotherhood, TG’s Culture

In a special message read at the event, President Droupadi Murmu commended the festival’s role in preserving Telangana’s traditions and promoting social harmony. Organised by former governor Bandaru Dattatreya, the event has grown into a major platform showcasing the state’s cultural vibrancy and unity.

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma inaugurated the celebration, which featured a blend of traditional performances and cultural displays. Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal described Alai Balai as a reflection of the cultural nationalism envisioned by BJP founder Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. He also rendered the devotional bhajan ‘Illahi Naam Ka Sauda’, highlighting how bhakti traditions spread messages of love, devotion and selfless service.

Union minister G. Kishan Reddy said Telangana’s unique Dasara tradition of embracing friends, family and even rivals symbolised its deep-rooted spirit of reconciliation. “Alai Balai unites people beyond politics and played an important role during the Telangana movement,” he said. Former vice-president M. Venkaiah Naidu cautioned against divisive tendencies emerging worldwide but said India’s unity and diversity endure through festivals such as Alay Balay that bind people together. Former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana praised the event for strengthening harmony through shared traditions, culture and food.

Addressing the gathering, Dattatreya, who conceived the festival, said Alai Balai has been celebrated 21 times since 2005, spreading the message of togetherness and Telangana pride. He urged people to support Indian-made goods to advance the goal of Ek Bharat – Shreshtha Bharat and strengthen the country’s self-reliance.

Prominent personalities including ministers Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and Ponnam Prabhakar, Major General Ajay Mishra, general officer commanding in chief, Telangana and Andhra sub-area, former governor Vidyasagar Rao, MPs R. Krishnaiah, Dr K. Laxman, Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, film actors Nagarjuna and Brahmanandam, , devotional singer Shobha Raju attended the event.

Dattatreya joined the Bathukamma dance and played the Dappu drum alongside folk artists, adding colour to the theme “Operation Sindoor.” Guests were served a traditional Telangana feast featuring mutton curry, talakaya (goat head) curry, pappu (lentils), boti (mutton curry), chicken, fish curry, pachhi pulusu (raw tamarind stew) and various traditional flours, providing an authentic gastronomic experience.