Artists and Contributors
Prominent figures such as B.S. Ramulu, Gaddar, Vimalakka, Gore Venkanna, Andesree, Rasamayi Balkishan, Suddala Ashok Teja, Jayaraj, Warangal Srinivas, and Anthadupula Nagaraj played a crucial role in reviving Telangana’s cultural heritage. Their efforts helped in bringing Telangana’s traditional art and music back into the public spotlight.
Folk Art Revival
Traditional art forms, which were preserved by marginalized communities like Basanthas, Budigajangas, Mandhechchus, and Oggus, were revitalized during the Telangana Movement. These art forms, which had been fading over time, gained renewed attention through performances at cultural events and political gatherings.
Telangana Dhoom Dham
Telangana Dhoom Dham was initiated in 2002 by Rasamayi Balkishan and Anthadupula Nagaraj. This cultural program aimed to showcase:
- The lifestyle and traditions of rural Telangana.
- Local customs and folklore, educating the younger generation about Telangana’s cultural identity.
Dasara Embrace (Alai Balai) by Dattatreya
Event Significance
Alai Balai, organized during Dasara by Central Minister Dattatreya, is an event that promotes Telangana’s cultural unity. It brings together agitators and stakeholders from different political backgrounds, symbolizing harmony and inclusivity.
First Event
The first Dasara Embrace event was held at Nizam’s College. Over time, it gained significance as a symbol of communal harmony and unity.
Symbol of Unity
Currently hosted in Jalavihar, Hussain Sagar, the event represents Hindu-Muslim unity and Telangana’s inclusive identity. It became a key cultural hallmark during the Telangana Movement under Dattatreya’s initiative.
Backdrop of Telangana Dhoom Dham
Inspiration for Telangana Dhoom Dham
The inspiration for Telangana Dhoom Dham came from Rasamayi Balkishan, a folk singer and cultural wing leader of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi. He attended the Jana Pada Jathara (folk cultural festival) in Rampur, organized by Anthadupula Nagaraju. Folk performances, including Bonalu, Bathukamma, Perini, Haridasulu, and Snake Charmers, highlighted the rustic life of Telangana.
Initial Performances
Artists trained by Nagaraju began performing across Telangana, starting from Manda Marri (Adilabad), bringing rural traditions into urban spaces. Rasamayi Balkishan later invited Nagaraju’s troupe to perform at the launch of his song cassette “Nelamma.” KCR, who was the chief guest, appreciated the folk performance.
Conceptualization
A discussion between KCR, Rasamayi Balkishan, and Nagaraju led to the idea of using this cultural platform to promote Telangana’s ideology. This resulted in the creation of Telangana Dhoom Dham as an organized cultural movement.
Integration of Movement and Culture
Rasamayi incorporated Telangana movement songs, singers, and poets into the cultural shows, transforming Telangana Dhoom Dham into a powerful platform for both cultural revival and political mobilization.
Milestones of Telangana Dhoom Dham
First Show
The first Telangana Dhoom Dham show was conducted on 30th September 2002 in Kamareddy and was attended by over 50,000 people. A major event was later held at Lalitha Kala Thoranam, Hyderabad, where political leaders chose to sit among the audience rather than on stage, reinforcing the movement’s grassroots connection.
Major Event
On 14th October 2006, a significant Dhoom Dham event took place in Karimnagar during KCR’s MP by-election campaign. The event featured key figures such as:
- People’s singers like Gaddar, Gore Venkanna, Deshpathi Srinivas, Andesree, and Midde Ramulu.
- Intellectuals such as Prof. Jaya Shankar.
- Political leaders including Harish Rao and Eetela Rajender.
Impact
Artists, poets, and performers like Guda Anjaiah, Andesree, Rasamayi Balkishan, and Warangal Srinivas inspired people through their cultural expressions. Telangana Dhoom Dham played a critical role in mobilizing people towards the Telangana cause.
Artistic Contributions
Prominent Songs
Some of the most famous songs that became anthems of the movement include:
- “Ooru Manadira” – Guda Anjaiah
- “Palle Kanneru” – Gore Venkanna
- “Chooda Chakkani Talli” – Andesree
- “Vandanalamma” – Jayaraj
- “Nee Aru Gurralu” – Warangal Shankaranna
- “Nelamma” – Rechcha Bharathi
Artists and Art Forms
Folk forms such as Gussadi and Gondu dances, Lambadi dances, Peerlu songs, Kolatalu, and Dula Atalu were prominently featured. Artists like Anthadupula Jangi Reddy, Swarna Reddy, Vimalakka, and groups like Arunodaya Praja Kala Mandali played a crucial role in reviving these traditions.
Significance
Telangana Dhoom Dham became an essential cultural movement that transformed folk arts into tools for public awakening and political mobilization.
Telangana Jagruthi and Bathukamma Festival
Revival of Bathukamma
Bathukamma, a nine-day women-centric festival, was revived as a symbol of Telangana’s cultural unity. Under the leadership of Kavitha, daughter of KCR, the festival became an integral part of the Telangana Movement, promoted under the banner of Telangana Jagruthi.
Efforts of Telangana Jagruthi
Established in 2008, Telangana Jagruthi aimed to highlight Telangana’s distinct culture and heritage through the promotion of Bathukamma celebrations. Kavitha personally visited all nine districts of Telangana, actively participating in Bathukamma festivities and encouraging community involvement.
Expansion and Activities
Wings of Telangana Jagruthi:
- Student Wing
- Youth Wing
- Women’s Wing
- Health Wing
- Cultural Wing
- Book Club
Additionally, a Skill Development Centre was launched to provide employment-oriented training.
Global Presence
Telangana Jagruthi expanded internationally, with active chapters in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom (London), and Australia.