Telangana Utsavam

Over the weekend, the much advertised Telangana Utsavam had many Hyderabadis, who went to People’s Plaza to experience the great culture and food of Telangana. But the three-day long festival left a foul taste for majority of them due to the failure of the organisers in not making a dedicated effort to make it a success.

Telangana Utsavam’s display of Telangana arts, crafts and food organised by Telangana Tourism along with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) was far from satisfying from any point of view. As part of the Utsavam, 35 stalls have been set up to showcase the different traditions of Telangana like arts, crafts and food.

Although, there were a few stalls, which had the Telangana arts and crafts like Pochampally Ikat sarees, Silver Filigree of Karimnagar, Nirmal Toys and Crafts, Nirmal Paintings and Furniture, Pembarthi Metal Crafts, Cheriyal Paintings, Warangal Durries and Adilabad Dokra, they were ill-stocked and the stalls too that seemed to be more a formality closed much before the end time.

“I came here to see the arts, crafts and delicacies of Telangana. It was a huge disappointment as the organisers failed to showcase the true Telangana in the exhibition. Telangana cuisine is not being served at any hotel in and around Hyderabad. I thought this type of festivals will serve our food and culture but the situation here is same like the hotels in the city.

I hope the Telangana government will take necessary steps to promote our arts, crafts and culture in near future,” said Vanaja, resident of Himayat Nagar, who was here with her family. People continued to walk in until after 11, to enjoy the pleasant weather, and the food, however, they returned disappointed.

Except for Pista House that served haleem, Bade Miyan Kebab stall, and one odd stall selling Telangana snacks, there was nothing to take home about the event. It was a great opportunity to showcase the rich tradition, culture and food of Telangana that was wasted away by Telangana Tourism along with CII.