Bonalu festival that was organized last Saturday by the Telangana Association of United Kingdom (TAUK) in West London was marked by a colourful event in which women from Telangana adorned themselves in their traditional costumes, carrying bonams and praying to the goddess Durga for the well-being of the State and Telugu people across the world.
The Heston School in West London was the centre for these celebrations conducted massively by The Telangana Association of United Kingdom (TAUK), which saw more than 1,000 NRI families from different parts of UK attending them.
NRI’s brought the atmosphere of ‘Lashkar’ in Secunderabad where Bonalu is celebrated unabated every year. Traditional Pothuraju was the major attraction with women carrying Bonam through several streets of London.
There was a traditional Pothuraju from native Telangana that formed part of the celebrations and became the highlight of this event. Akshya Malchela who is in UK pursuing higher studies appeared as Pothuraju and encouraged celebrations. He was given an award by organizers for this tradition being maintained even in another nation.
Hounslow Deputy Mayor Muhammad Shakeel Akram graced the occasion as its chief guest. He appreciated TAUK for promoting Telangana culture abroad as well as their involvement in local community service. And He hoped that goddess Durga would bless everyone with prosperity in her life.
He indicated that he felt honoured to see NRI women carrying Bonam across the London streets to show case Indian culture especially Telangana culture involving local British residents to promote harmony, peace and respect towards each other cultures.
TAUK President Rathnakar Kadudula, Vice-President Shushmuna Reddy, Vice-president Sathya Murthy Chilumula among others thanked BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha for her guidance and support in organizing various cultural activities. Also spoke NRI BRS UK President & TAUK Convener Ashok Dusari.
