Hyderabad is big on cultural diversities, and nothing can counter question this fact. Hyderabad, or as they lovingly call it, the ‘City of Nizams’, has some or other celebrations throughout the year. The various festivals and events in Hyderabad bring together different religions and communities in one place. The joyous annual journey in Hyderabad is truly mesmerizing.
Hyderabad is where cultures, ethnicity, and religion melt and mold into one human. Nothing can be more evident than Hyderabadi festivals, where you can witness ‘Akhand Bharat’ (Undivided India).
# Bangaru Bathukamma UyyaloSomeone who loves colors and culture should definitely attend the Bangaru Bathukamma Uyyalo in Hyderabad. Bangaru Bathukamma Uyyalo is a Telangana State Culture in which women gather and celebrate beautifully. It is basically a flower festival celebrated each year as per the Sathavahana calendar. It usually comes during the month of October-November for nine days starting on Pitru Amavasya.
# The Deccan FestivalThe Deccan Festival is one of the most popular festivals in Hyderabad. It is by far one of the most vibrant and enjoyable festivals in Telangana. Every year, the ‘City of Nizams’ celebrates the Deccan Festival for five days. The Tourism Department of Andhra Pradesh organizes Deccan Festival every year during the month of February or March. This 5-day long Festival echoes authentic Hyderabadi culture along with the culture and tradition of the Deccan region. It is when both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh locals, as well as visitors come alive with a riot of music, food, spices, dance, colors, and fairs.
# Urs At Hazrat Nizamuddin AuliaThe Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah in Hyderabad organizes Urs every year, gathering thousands of local as well as visiting Islam followers. Urs is basically the death anniversary of Delhi’s prominent Sufi mystic, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Wondering why a celebration on Death Anniversary? Well, in the Sufi culture, death is celebrated as similarly as someone’s wedding anniversary. It is named Urs or Visal since Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya’s death is considered the most mystical merging with the Divine.
Urs celebration features Islamic and Sufi musical evenings, food spread, and bazaars. Dargahs during this time attract thousands of people, regardless of their religious beliefs. However, the crowd is mainly from the Islamic religion. Urs, in fact, is one of the most famous Islamic festivals around the world.
# Lumbini FestivalLumbini Festival is another annual celebration in Nagarjunasagar in Hyderabad. Lumbini in Nepal is where Gautam Buddha was born. It is one of the greatest Buddhist pilgrimage sites one can ever visit. In order to relieve the Heritage of Buddhism Lumbini Festival is celebrated in various parts of the world, including Hyderabad.
The Festival is organized by the Department of Tourism of the Government of Telangana annually for three days. It is celebrated in the month of December from Friday to Sunday.
The Festival’s grandness and the weekend draw a considerable crowd. However, the exact dates of the Lumbini Festival are tentative. The major highlight of the Festival is the Monolith Buddha Statue, the largest single rock statue of Buddha in the whole wide world.
The life-changing Buddha preachings during the event inspired young minds and reformed their life forever. Not only Hyderabad but it is also celebrated at the Port of Visakhapatnam.
# Bonalu
Bonalu is a traditional annual celebration in Hyderabad. This Telangana Hindu event also gets organized in Secunderabad, Hyderabad’s twin city. Bonalu celebration is focused on Goddess Mahakali and is all about special Poojas (Prayers).
The ceremonies are performed for Yellamma, which is another religious form of Goddess Mahakali. The celebration comes annually during the month of July or/and August, ideally in the Hindu month of Ashada Masam.
# Ganesh ChaturthiGanesh Chaturthi is a famous Indian festive and is celebrated widely all across Hyderabad. This traditional and cultural occasion falls every year in the month of August or September. Also known as Sakat Chauth, this Festival is celebrated as the homecoming of Lord Ganesha. Throughout the city, Pandals with a large Lord Ganesha idol, pretty decoration, and a lavish Pooja (prayer) are setup. Not only in the outdoors, but people bring Lord Ganesha’s idol to their homes, and enjoy the festivities.