Bathukamma, Dasara celebrations held in Vienna, Austria

The cultural program took place at a community hall in Vienna and featured the traditional floral arrangement of Bathukamma, a ritual that marks the arrival of spring in the Telugu-speaking regions of India. Organisers arranged music, dance performances and a display of the intricate rangoli designs that accompany Dasara festivities, allowing attendees to experience the full spectrum of the celebrations. The program also included a brief explanation of the mythological stories behind each ritual, helping those unfamiliar with the customs to understand their significance.

Members of the Telugu diaspora in Austria, many of whom have lived in the country for several generations, gathered to celebrate their heritage and to introduce it to friends from other backgrounds. The event was supported by local cultural associations and the Indian embassy, which provided logistical assistance and helped promote the gathering through social media channels. Participants prepared traditional dishes such as pulihora and payasam, creating a shared dining experience that reinforced community bonds and highlighted the culinary aspect of the culture.

Organisers emphasized that the celebration serves as a bridge between the older generation, who carry memories of the festivals from their homeland, and younger members who may have been born and raised in Europe. By involving school children in the preparation of Bathukamma stacks and teaching them the steps of folk dances, the event aims to ensure that cultural knowledge is passed on. The success of the Vienna gathering may encourage similar programs in other European cities, strengthening the global presence of Telugu culture and fostering a sense of pride among expatriates.