Telugu Samajam plans cultural festival in Singapore

It will feature events such as drama, art exhibition, music, poetry festival, literary programmes Eminent artists such as M.Balamuralikrishna, actor Chiranjeevi and artist Bapu were expected to participate in the festival

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60 artists participating from India

Focus on Andhra Pradesh folk arts

About 2,000 visitors are expected for the festival

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CHENNAI: Come March a cultural festival is being organised for the first time by the Singapore Telugu Samajam ( సింగపూరు తెలుగు సమాజం ) for the community living in the city-State.

The three-day Singapore Telugu Cultural Festival will feature events such as drama, art exhibition, music, poetry fest, literary programmes to promote Telugu heritage and culture among Singaporeans.

V. Satyamurthy, the Samajam's president, said the festival would be held in March 2006 with about 60 artists participating from India. Eminent artists such as M. Balamuralikrishna, actor Chiranjeevi and artist Bapu were expected to participate in the festival.

The festival would promote dying Andhra Pradesh folk arts such as `Tholubommalatta' ( తోలుబొమ్మలాట ) [puppet show]. Visitors will get to learn traditional games such as `Dhonga police' ( దొంగ పొలీసు ) [hide and seek] and `Ashta Chamma' ( అష్ట చమ్మ ) [game played with five stones].

About 2,000 visitors are expected for the festival, which would charge an entry fee of Rs. 2,500. The Samajam, along with the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce would host a business seminar, "Destination A.P.," Mr. Satyamurthy said.

Special arrangements for travel and accommodation would be made for visitors from India.

About the Samajam, he said it had 3,000 members, which was about 30 per cent of the Telugu population in Singapore.

Courtesy: The Hindu

Flyer courtesy: Singapore Telugu Samajam