The Sampadak Express News Desk
The 20th edition of the Alai Balai festival will be held on October 22 at the Exhibition Grounds in Nampally, Hyderabad, with the theme “Nasha Mukt Bharat” highlighting a drug-free India, The Hindu reported.
Founded by former Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya during the Telangana agitation years, the annual gathering is positioned as a celebration of Telangana’s culture that bridges political and social divides. According to The Hindu, it draws leaders from across parties alongside artists, writers, historians and diverse community groups.
Bandaru Vijayalakshmi, chairman of the Alai Balai Foundation, said this year’s programme will also foreground “Viksit Bharat,” pairing the anti-drug message with a call for broader public participation in national development. She said the focus on drug abuse is aimed particularly at protecting young people.
The event is expected to attract between 30,000 and 40,000 attendees, according to The Hindu. Dattatreya said the two-decade-old festival seeks to nurture mutual warmth and affection while showcasing Telangana’s traditions through local artists, folk dancers and rural performers.
The festival’s organisers say its purpose remains to promote cultural unity that rises above politics, with the October 22 edition set to continue that approach at the Nampally venue.
