Culture beyond borders: Telugu NRIs celebrate Bonalu with devotional fervour in Bahrain

The main attraction of the event was the traditional dance performance by three Potharajus, whose bodies were smeared with vermilion and turmeric paste.

Dubai: The Telugu NRI community residing in Arabian Gulf countries is celebrating the vibrant Bonalu festival with great devotion, highlighting Telangana’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions.

In Manama, Bahrain, dozens of devotees gathered on Friday to offer Bonam and seek the blessings of Goddess Mahankali. The celebrations, organised by the Telugu Kala Samiti (TKS) of Bahrain, saw enthusiastic participation from several Telangana families.

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The main attraction of the event was the traditional dance performance by three Potharajus, whose bodies were smeared with vermilion and turmeric paste. Sri Ram from Hyderabad, who played the role of Potharaju, expressed his joy at performing abroad.

“Whenever I perform as Potharaju in front of Goddess Mahankali, I feel that I am at home in Hyderabad, not in Bahrain,” he said.

Women leaders Ganga Laxmi, Chandramani, Kavita, Kiranmai and Manjula guided devotees in the rituals associated with the Bonam offering. Cultural performances by Neha Kruthi, Nainika, Shreya, Charwi, Tanmai, Jaswitha, Veda, Satya Prasuna, Kavya Balaka, Hima Sri and Hima Bindu captivated the audience.

Prominent NRI community leader K.G. Babu Rajan and SBI CEO Amith Kumar were the chief guests at the celebrations.

“TKS celebrates all festivals and believes in the diverse culture of Telugu people, irrespective of region or religion,” said P. Jagadish, president of TKS.