The ten-day fest will present facets unique to the State across food, films, literature and art forms
Hyderabad is home to many a historical and cultural glory since centuries that it becomes imminent for us to refine the understanding of our roots from time to time- the first of its kind Hyderabad Fest 2018 that commences this weekend at NTR Stadium, Domalguda promises to do that in full jest. Fests surrounding culture are often individualistic in the city, be it music, dance, literature, films and beyond, but this one stands out for its attempt to bring all of it under one roof. Featuring theme-pavilions surrounding tourism, education, public sector undertaking, financial institutions, literature and specific sites catering to cultural performances besides short film fests, art and photography exhibitions, Hyderabad Fest 2018 has it all.
Spoorthi Progressive Society, spearheaded by its honorary chairman Chukka Ramaiah is behind this ten-day fest. One of its organising committee members A Nageswar Rao offers us a larger picture, “The aim behind the fest is to promote the culture of Telangana among its residents. Hyderabad presents itself with a manifold of cultures due to its diversity of religions, castes and rituals. The idea is also to let people know about the progress across different spheres in the State. The fest comprises many segments, also the focus is on public sector undertakings that have had a huge role to play in protecting the sovereignty of the country besides the financial support of the banks and other institutions.”
Cultural performances will be on at specific sites at the stadium everyday including a mixture of western, classical and folk forms. A science fair in memoriam of scientist Stephen Hawking is to be organised too, presenting the multifaceted advancements in the medical and the health sector over decades. As a special attraction commemorating the holiday season, the section ‘Balotsav’ targeted at children will see various workshops across arts, crafts, poetry and essay writing arenas. What’s a fest without food? A wide range of food courts sets it eye on the Telangana palette, with a special focus on pindi vantakalu.
In a bid to generate awareness on rights of women around the state, a stall ‘Sabala’ will feature many success stories of women and aspects that have lead to their progress in due course. A short film festival will celebrate the talents of budding, aspirant filmmakers across the state, the organisers have recently hosted a contest to shortlist the entries for the same. Film personalities including L B Sriram, Srikanth, Rajendra Prasad, Kasi Vishwanath will grace the fest.
As a mark of tribute to Charlie Chaplin on his birthday i.e. April 16, the organisers will screen his select films and host various events that throw light on facets that shaped the genius’ career. A photography exhibition featuring caricatures/portraits of Dasaradhi Rangacharya, C Narayana Reddy, Kaloji and other notable literary figures from Telangana promises to attract crowds. “The culture of Hyderabad has been confined to limited aspects, we want to do our bit to expand it. Having conducted similar fests in Visakhapatnam in 2015 and 2017, we’re sure about its success here too.”
(Hyderabad Fest 2018 commences at NTR Stadium on April 13, 5 pm and is on till April 22, 2 pm- 9 pm on weekdays, 12 pm- 9pm on weekends, Entry free)