Hyderabad: Tourism and excise minister Jupally Krishna Rao said the upcoming Bathukamma festival has the potential to become both a cultural landmark and a major driver of tourism for Telangana. Speaking to TOI, Jupally emphasised the grandeur of the 10-day festivities, stating that the aim is to build a distinct identity on par with world-renowned celebrations such as Brazil’s Carnival.“Our vision is to position Telangana on the global stage through these vibrant festivities, creating a ripple effect that will ultimately boost tourism and deliver economic benefits to the state,” the minister said.The festival will not only highlight Telangana’s cultural richness but also host a variety of competitions designed to engage diverse groups, from IT professionals and local self-help groups to adventurous women bikers. “We’re striving to reach out to visitors from outside the state, the expatriate community residing in Hyderabad, and local residents who may not have previously participated in the festival,” Rao added.To further promote the celebrations, the minister announced special tours for out-of-town guests and partnerships with several airlines to ensure nationwide visibility. Welcome dances will be held on flights arriving from cities such as Delhi and Mumbai between September 21 and 30. In addition, the festival will be featured in inflight magazines of leading carriers including Air India and IndiGo, effectively inviting travelers to take part in this cultural extravaganza.
