Alai Balai showcases Telangana culture

Jal Vihar on the banks of Hussainsagar Lake transformed into a rural milieu with people from far and near districts of Telangana pouring in traditional attire for the annual get-together- Alai Balai. Lambadas, Komu Koya dancers, tribals and youngsters from within the city danced and sang traditional songs. Gangireddu, the bull decorated with bells, colourful clothes, a camel too decked up with colourful patches of cloth and goats added to the ambience.

Women, men, children and even the old joined in the revelry even as politicians from different political parties greeted each other in typical style. Keeping aside political differences and ideology, the event showcases Telangana culture. Artists performed traditional dappulu, Bonalu and Bathkamma.

The highlight of this year’s Alai Balai was when MP V Hanumantha Rao joined the artists and got into a jig with teen maar playing in the background. The Komu Koya dancers who came from Bhadrachalam greeted M Kodandaram, chairman, Telangana Political Joint Action Committee. He too joined in by beating the drum and sporting the traditional headgear.

Women dressed in their best sarees danced around conical shaped floral arrangement at the entrance to the main hall where speeches were made.

This year, chants of Jai Telanagana were conspicuous by their absence. “People are content as the announcement has been made. The cries have been heard, it is only a matter of time,” said a BJP party worker.

Traditional food and folk arts of Telangana were enjoyed by politicos of all hues keeping the spirit of camaraderie and brotherhood above all things. People savoured traditional Telangana dishes but it was the ‘Ambal’ –ragi malt soup that stood out. Renuka Devi, a resident of Bogulkunta said, “After having the soup it took me back to my childhood. We used to have it every day in summer. Alai Balai reminds me of my roots and awakens in me a sense of pride for my customs and traditions.” The cultural identity of Telangana is unique in many ways. “This is a get together where people irrespective of language, region and caste are welcome but it is also an event that respects people who show respect for the Telangana culture,” said Srinivas a Congress party worker.