Wishesh Magazine August-2019 Wishesh Magazine August-2019 | Page 124

INDIAN EVENTS Bonalu Festivities in London Wows Indian Community 124 Bonalu, a Hindu festival celebrated in Telangana cities where Goddess Mahankali is worshiped, was celebrated by Telugu diaspora in London with high spirits. The Bonalu festivities were organized in West London by the Non-Resident Indian group, Telangana Association of United Kingdom (TAUK) at the auditorium of the Isleworth and Syon School. During the festivities, the NRIs hailing from Telangana showed their support to weavers back home wearing handlooms in the community. Over 800 people of Telugu diaspora from various parts of the United Kingdom took part in the event. Indian origin local Members of WWW.WISHESH.NET | AUGUST 2019 Parliament of United Kingdom Virendra Sharma, Seema Malhotra, Ruth Cadbury, Hounslow deputy mayor Raghwinder Siddhu and Indian High Commission to UK representative Prem Jeet also participated in the program. The NRIs recreated the vibes of ‘Lashkar’ in Secunderabad in Telangana where bonalu is celebrated fervently every year. The main attraction of the event was the traditional pothraju, brother of mother Goddess Mahankali, dancing before the procession.