HYDERABAD: Rarely do we see politicians who draw daggers at each other, indulge in bonhomie and present a show of solidarity. Alai Balai held by the Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya on Wednesday in Hyderabad provided the platform for this camaraderie.
“At a time when people are forgetting culture and the feeling of brotherhood is decreasing, Dattatreya has succeeded in bringing every one on one stage and highlighting Telangana’s culture. Both Telugu states should prosper and Alai Balai should go on forever,” wished Union Minister for Urban Development M Venakiah Naidu, speaking at the Alai Balai.
Alai Balai which means ‘a warm hug’, is a traditional practice of Telangana, especially Hyderabadis, where people hug each other during festivities. Taking cue from age old practice, Dattatreya has been conducting Alai Balai every year during Dasara for the past 13 years.
True to the spirit of Alai Balai, politicians cutting across party lines and personalities from various fields were present at the programme. Governor ESL Narasimhan, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology YS Chowdary, Telangana ministers Naini Narasimha Reddy, Etela Rajender, Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao, TTDP leaders L Ramana, R Krishnaiah, Justice B Subhashan Reddy, film maker R Narayana Murthy and others took part in Aalai Balai.
Besides a show of camaraderie, performances of various folk art forms by artistes enthralled the visitors. Chindu Yakshaganam, Dhimsa, Perini Siva tandavam, Oggu katha among other traditional art performances treated visitors to a whole new world besides folk songs performances by Telangana singers.
“We have been performing at Alai Balai for the the past seven years. Only at these traditional events or official programmes we get an opportunity to perform our art and protect it” said M Ramulu, a Chindu Yakshaganam perfomer form Yadadri.