The NRI group Telangana Association of United Kingdom (TAUK) conducted Bonalu celebrations on a grand scale, The event was held in the auditorium of the Isleworth and Syon School in West London.
About 800 NRIs from various parts of the UK attended the event, for which West London wore a festive look.
The NRIs recreated the ambience of ‘Lashkar’ in Secunderabad where Bonalu is celebrated fervently every year.
The main attraction was the women carrying Bonam across several streets of London. Several local Englishmen joined in the celebrations.
The event started with the welcome speech by TAUK Vice President Swathi Budagam and later runned the show by Secretary Ravi Retineni.
MP Virendra Sharma said he felt glad to be part of this grand celebration of Telangana’s festival Bonalu. They way TAUK promoting Telangana culture in foreign land is very inspiring and also their involvement in local community service is greatly appreciated.
He said Telangana is been found in the news for fast growth, development and most happening state in India under the dynamic leadership of KCR. He wished goddess Durga should bless everyone with prosperity in their life.
MP Seema Malhotra said, as a women she is very proud to see the NRI women carrying Bonam across the London streets to showcase and promote Indian culture and especially Telangana culture by involving local British residents, which help to bring harmony, peace and respect towards each culture.
She felt very happy for being part of this event and appreciated TAUK involvement in supporting local women and child rehabilitation centres financially, those who are in need of support.
First Secretary to Indian High Commissioner Anima Bharadwaj said the Telangana community in UK is enthusiastic about social events. He appreciated the TAUK group for their support to several cultural activities and to the community in UK and back home.
TAUK president Pavitra Kandi said TAUK is committed to promote the Telangana culture on a global platform and thanked Nizamabad MP Kalvakuntla Kavitha for her guidance and support in organising several cultural activities.
TAUK founder Anil Kurmcahalam said he had been participating in these Bonalu celebrations for several years now, and went on to thank the local authorities for allowing the celebrations.
This year we just not only celebrated Bonalu but also as part of the cultural activities under the guidance of famous artists Raagasudha Vinjamoori traditional Telangana Folk Mathuri, Koya & Lambadi dances were performed, which became the highlight of the event.
He appealed to everyone to support handloom weavers and join hands with Minster KTR initiative to wear handloom once in a week. Finally, thanked MP Smt. Kavitha for her continuous support in encouraging us since our inception to till date.
