TAUK celebrates Chenetha Bathukamma in London

The Telangana Association of United Kingdom celebrated Chenetha Bathukamma in London and other parts of the UK, with around 2,000 people attending the London event. Participants wore Telangana handloom clothing, exchanged festive greetings and pledged continued support for weavers.

Hyderabad: Drawing inspiration from former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, who extended his support to the weaving community in Telangana during his tenure, the Telangana Association of United Kingdom (TAUK) celebrated Bathukamma as “Chenetha Bathukamma” in London and other parts of the UK on Sunday. Around 2,000 Telangana people participated in the celebrations organised in London. Most participants attended the festivities wearing handwoven scarves and clothes made by Telangana weavers.

Speaking on the occasion, TAUK president Rathnakar Kadudula said the association had continued its commitment to promoting handloom products, inspired by the initiatives undertaken by former Chief Minister Chandrashekhar Rao and former Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao to support the weaving community. The chief guests praised the active involvement of Telangana NRIs living in the UK in community service on this occasion. The guests at the programme also appreciated TAUK for showcasing Telangana’s culture and traditions to the world despite being based overseas, and expressed pride in the association’s efforts.

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TAUK vice-president Shushmuna Reddy said the association had successfully delivered its initiatives and earned a distinctive identity within the diaspora community.

TAUK general secretary Supraja Pulusu said it was a great source of inspiration to see members of the diaspora respond to their invitation by attending the celebrations dressed in handloom clothing.

TAUK community affairs chairperson Ganesh Kuppala said Dasara was celebrated after performing special prayers at a Jammi tree brought from India. This was followed by the traditional Dasara “Alai Balai” gathering.

Participants exchanged handloom shawls, shared Jammi (Shami) leaves as a symbol of gold and exchanged festive greetings. They also pledged to support the handloom sector by wearing handloom clothing on as many occasions as possible.