ABHA Saudi Arabia | October 18, 2026. The vibrant floral festival of Telangana, Bathukamma, was celebrated with great devotion, cultural enthusiasm, and community spirit at Abha Heights, Saudi Arabia, during a grand Dussehra, Saddula Bathukamma, and Durga Ashtami Family and Friends Get-Together on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Organized with devotion and warmth by the family of Mrs. Swathi and Dr. Jaya Shanker Tedla, the celebration brought together more than 120 guests, including families, friends, and Telugu community members, creating a memorable occasion that showcased Telangana’s rich cultural heritage and the unity of the Indian community abroad.
The celebrations commenced at 5:00 PM with traditional ceremonies, filling the gathering with devotion and festive joy. The cultural highlight was the spectacular celebration of Saddula Bathukamma. Women dressed in beautiful traditional attire gathered around artistically arranged floral Bathukammas, singing traditional folk songs and dancing together. The celebration reflected the cultural significance of Bathukamma, a cherished festival of Telangana that honours nature, flowers, womanhood, and the spirit of togetherness.
A major attraction was the authentic Telugu traditional food feast, prepared by Abdul Rasheed and his team at Biryani Dine Hotel. Upholding the essence of Telugu hospitality, the grand dinner was served on traditional banana leaves is special attraction.
The feast featured all five traditional varieties of Saddulu—Perugannam Saddi, Chinthapandu Pulihora Saddi, Nimmakaya Saddi, Kobbara Saddi, and Nuvvula Saddi—along with a variety of festive delicacies. The traditional menu added a special cultural touch to the occasion and delighted guests.
Reflecting the inclusive spirit of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia, people from all five South Indian states—Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala—participated in the celebrations, making the gathering a beautiful example of cultural harmony and friendship beyond regional boundaries.
The success of the event was made possible by the dedicated efforts of community volunteers. Jenny Kommineni, Sravani, Sujith, and Ganesh, from Telangana, received special appreciation for their artistic contribution in creating beautiful traditional floral Bathukammas, which became the centrepiece of the celebration.
Sunil, Raghu, Kalyan, Krishna, Jafar, and other local Telugu volunteers played an important role in venue coordination, decorations, event management, and food service, ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the programme.
The family of Mrs. Swathi and Dr. Jaya Shanker Tedla expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the guests, volunteers, and supporters who contributed their time, effort, and enthusiasm to make the gathering a grand success.
The celebration stood as a testament to the dedication of the Saudi Arabia Telugu Association (SATA) community in preserving Telugu traditions, promoting cultural exchange, and strengthening bonds among Indian families living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Bathukamma festivities at Abha Heights were more than a cultural gathering; they were a celebration of identity, devotion, friendship, and community unity, demonstrating how India’s rich traditions continue to flourish even thousands of kilometres away from home.
M Siraj
