Keeping aside their political differences, leaders from various parties came together at the annual Alai Balai programme in Hyderabad.

AMN / HYDERABAD

The CULTURAL and prestigious Alai Balai celebrations were held in Hyderabad today, It is celebrated a day after Dasara Festival. The speakers at the function emphasised the need for promoting unity and keeping intact the cultural heritage through festivals.

Governors of various states including Telangana, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Meghalaya and former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu attended the Alai Balai organised by the Alai Balai foundation. Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya started the Alai Balai celebrations reflecting the culture of Telangana way back in 2005. 

Alai Balai has been celebrated a day after Dasara festival since then, providing a platform to bring all sections of the society together.       

Speaking on the occasion, former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said, currently unity is very much needed and festivities like Alai Balai will take forward the culture and heritage. Stating that festivals will bring together families, societies and the country, Mr Naidu emphasised the need for protecting such heritage for future generations.

Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Verma said Alai Balai reflected the cultural progress of Telangana state and Indian festivals will promote unity among various sections of people.  Speaking on the occasion, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy acknowledged the tireless efforts that are being made By Dattatreya in upholding the tradition of Alai Balai. He said Alai Balai celebrations are bringing together communities from various backgrounds.

Leaders from almost all political parties and eminent people from all walks of life took part in the celebrations. Telangana Cultural forms and traditions including the works of rural artisans came alive on the occasion.

The host treated the guests to a wide variety of 60 dishes including mutton, chicken biryani and fish curry.

Bandaru Dattatreya has been organising the Alai Balai program for the last 19 years.

Speaking on the occasion, the Telangana Governor said the programme was playing a key role in promoting rural culture and social unity.

The governors of other states also appreciated Dattatreya for conducting the programme continuously since 2005.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy praised Dattatreya for making all efforts to revive the dying Telangana culture and traditions through Alai Balai.

The Chief Minister said that the Alai Balai program inspired the formation of the political Joint Action Committee (JAC), leading to the creation of the Telangana state. He said the programme was also underlining the importance of preserving Telangana culture.