Hyderabad Hosts 20th Alai Balai Celebrations with Cultural Grandeur

The 20th edition of Alai Balai, a celebration of Telangana’s cultural heritage and social harmony, was held with grandeur at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds in Hyderabad. Organised under the leadership of Bandaru Dattatreya, the event was coordinated by his daughter, Bandaru Vijayalakshmi. Held annually during Vijayadashami, the celebrations brought together political leaders and prominent personalities, with Telangana’s traditional customs, cultural performances and regional cuisine emerging as major attractions.

Bandaru Dattatreya said Alai Balai was not a political gathering but a cultural initiative designed to bring together leaders across party lines, people with different ideologies and those working for the progress of various communities. The event provides a common platform for people to interact beyond political differences and strengthens the bonds that unite society.

BJP MP Eatala Rajender highlighted the festival’s role in promoting social cohesion, irrespective of caste, religion, political affiliation or regional identity. He stressed that preserving Telangana’s cultural heritage and passing its traditions on to future generations was particularly important during festivals such as Bathukamma and Dasara.

Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, who attended the celebrations, described Alai Balai as more than a festival, calling it a platform that brings people together through affection, friendship and mutual respect. He said the tradition reflected the Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which views the world as one family. He congratulated Dattatreya and Vijayalakshmi for continuing the initiative.

Naidu observed that although technology was bringing people closer globally, individuals should not become distant from those around them. He emphasised that personal relationships were as important as information and that supporting one another during difficult times represented true humanity. He urged people to embrace modernity without abandoning their roots, while respecting their language and cultural identity.

He also called for greater respect for women, better opportunities for young people, care for the elderly and support for disadvantaged communities. India, he said, should continue demonstrating unity in diversity as an example to the world.

Traditional Telangana art forms and regional delicacies attracted visitors throughout the event. Dattatreya and Vijayalakshmi felicitated distinguished personalities and artists for their contributions. The participation of leaders from different political backgrounds underlined Alai Balai’s significance as a celebration of cultural pride, social harmony and collective identity.