Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A vibrant cultural evening celebrating India’s diverse traditions, languages, and arts was recently organised by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. The event, part of the Pravasi Introductory Program, was designed to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage to the younger generations of expatriates living abroad. Among the many attractions, the Gangamma Jatara exhibition stood out, drawing attention not just from the Telugu community but also from Indians across various states.
The Gangamma Jatara, a festival deeply rooted in devotion, was brought to life through a performance that resonated with the spiritual sentiments of devotees both in India and overseas. Engineer Nagarjuna from Hyderabad impressed the audience with his portrayal of Matangi Devi, captivating viewers with his expressive performance.
Adding to the cultural richness, a traditional Lambadi tribal dance from the Adilabad region was performed by young girls from Andhra Pradesh. Artists Maurya Duggapu, Samiksha Meraga, Rashmita Kanchapu, and Ritika Gundubogula showcased tribal art forms and dances, reflecting India’s rural beauty.
The essence of Telangana was also brought alive through displays of Bathukamma and Bonalu, symbolic festivals of the state. Niharika Chenguri and Lavanya enchanted the audience with a soulful Bathukamma song, preserving its authentic folk essence even in a foreign land.
A performance by Shiva Reddy Ammavar, portraying Potaraju alongside seven symbolic goddesses — Shweta, Sunita Ashadapu, Niharika, Bharati Dasari, Sandhya, Sucharita, and Priyanka — recreated the divine atmosphere of Hyderabad’s historic Lal Darwaja Ammavari Temple.
The event also celebrated India’s traditional handloom crafts. Under the guidance of Ramya Gundubogula, participants introduced the audience to the weaving excellence of Gadwal, Pochampally, and Narayanpet through elegant textile exhibits.
Dhwani Bogineni, Kaustubh Chivukula, and Hem Nikhil appeared in regal costumes representing Rudramadevi, Prataparudra, and Quli Qutub Shah, embodying the historical pride of Telangana.
A standout act came from Anand Pokuri, who portrayed former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, highlighting his intellect and pivotal role during India’s economic reforms. The Telangana programs were coordinated by Mobin and Sucharitha.
Several performers — including Chaitra, Kethvi, Purvi, Anya, Manushree, Hindu Priyanka, Aishwarya, Vinay, Dr Sreekar Billa, Gudepu Karthik, Suresh Naidu Chinta, and Venugopal — displayed Telangana’s rich folk traditions.
The culinary section reflected the distinctive flavours of Telugu cuisine. Pavani Sharma, Bhavana Vannanda, Sucharita, Priyanka, Sunita, Aishwarya, and Lavanya presented regional dishes, offering attendees a taste of authentic Andhra and Telangana flavours.
The grandeur of Hyderabad was also represented through qawwali performances and reenactments of traditional weddings. Students of Yara International School, guided by prominent NRI Mobeen, showcased Hyderabad’s cultural splendour. Led by Mohammad Swale and Shahab Parwaz, with contributions from Nisar Ahmed, Naseer Siddiqui, Mohammed Farooq, and Shoaib Mohiuddin, the qawwali troupe earned loud applause. Interestingly, Gollapalli Daniel, a teacher unfamiliar with qawwali traditions, amazed everyone by playing the tabla flawlessly.
Engineer Shoaib Mohiuddin, also a renowned Marfa artist, demonstrated the Arab-inspired wedding dance that remains a vital part of Hyderabadi celebrations. The performance revived nostalgia for traditional wedding music once common in Telangana’s Muslim households.
The event also included a dramatised depiction of nikah and walima ceremonies under the direction of Shaheen Afroz, Kausar Tahesin Azim, and Arshiya Tabussum, with Mohammed Nadeem playing the role of qazi. Their act resembled a real wedding and earned admiration from the attendees.
Students of Vaidehi Nritya Vidyalaya performed mesmerising classical pieces such as Ardhanarishwari and Rahararupam. Twenty women led by Mounika showcased traditional Andhra dance forms dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nataraja. Singers Sai Keerthana and Sai Kirthika energised the youth with their musical renditions. The Andhra Pradesh segment, coordinated by Archana and Akshita, received thunderous applause.
Performers, including Rama Soujanya Merla, Heethika, Sushmita, Sunitha Kodavali, Sivasai Satya Shaurya, and others, paid tribute to Telugu film icons while highlighting tribal dances from Andhra Pradesh.
No Telugu gathering is complete without traditional delicacies — guests enjoyed special dishes ranging from Godavari Gongura to Hyderabadi Bagara Rice, organised by Geetha Srinivas. The culinary spread was complemented by dishes served by Chandana, Sri Santosh, and Kavitha Pokuri.
The event concluded with dignitaries, including Reval Anthony, Muzammil Sheikh, Murari, Johnny Basha, Sucharita, Mobeen, and Jabbar, welcoming embassy officials on stage.
Expatriate associations such as Telugu Pravasi Sangam, SATA Central, TASA, Telugu Kalakshetra, Telangana Forum, and Osmania University Alumni Association collaborated to make the event a grand success, promoting unity through India’s art and culture.
