Keeping the tradition alive

Hyderabad: They have no homes, no jobs, and no facilities and walk miles every day to earn their bread and butter. More than 250 families of Gangireddu community of different parts of the state camped in the surroundings of Kukatpally and Quthbullahpur areas. Right from the olden days, Gangireddu community has been depending on Bhiksham (begging). Attired in a traditional way, they take cows along with them for begging. They worship cows and do not focus on education or jobs. Even after completing higher studies, many youngsters of the community have been following the footsteps of their ancestors to keep their tradition alive.

Raju, an SSC student of the community, who has been begging with a cow on the streets of the city said, “I am following my ancestors’ footsteps to keep our tradition alive.” A 50-year-old Yadaiah of the same community said, “We earn Rs 200 to 300 per day and that is enough for our daily needs. People call us for house-warming ceremonies and festivals for our blessings.” Most of the community members have cast their vote in the recent elections, but expressed grief on being neglected by every government. The elders of the community urged the government officials to allocate them homes.

BY Mohsin Ali