In the heart of Vittal Rao Nagar in HITEC City of Hyderabad, amidst the lively atmosphere of Dussehra, a group of dedicated young students from the SK Youth Association have taken the festive spirit to new heights. What began as a modest attempt by these passionate youths to celebrate Durga Puja with their own pocket money has blossomed into a grand, 10-day celebration that brings together hundreds of devotees in jubilation and devotion. This unique initiative, filled with cultural richness, food offerings, and vibrant rituals, has become a highlight of the community's festive calendar.
It all started years ago when a small group of friends came together with a common goal to celebrate Dussehra in a way that would be traditionally rich and foster a sense of unity among the local youths. Without a significant source of funding, these young men pooled their own pocket money to organize the event. Shrikant, President and Founder of SK Youth Association recalls the humble beginnings with a smile. "We didn't have much back then, but we had enthusiasm. It was all about coming together to celebrate a festival we love," says Shrikant. "Initially, we only managed to set up a small pandal, but it was enough to bring people together." Despite their limited resources, the youth's dedication and community spirit were infectious, and soon, more people began to take notice. As word spread, support from the local community grew, and what began as a small-scale event evolved into a major festival that now attracts devotees from across the area.
Fast forward to today, and the SK Youth Association's Durga Puja celebration has become one of the most anticipated events in the area. With lakhs of rupees now going into the festival arrangements, the celebration features elaborate decorations, vibrant processions, cultural performances, and most importantly, the spirit of devotion. Vice President Srinivas, who has been instrumental in shaping the event's success, shares how the association has grown over the years.
"We started with just a few hundred rupees. Today, we're spending lakhs, but it's not just about the money—it's about the effort and heart everyone puts into making this festival special," says Srinivas. "Every year, we try to make it bigger and better. We want to involve everyone and ensure that this celebration brings joy to all." This year, in particular, the association has gone the extra mile, making special arrangements for food offerings, or prasad, on multiple days. Devotees are treated to an array of delicious dishes as part of the festival's traditions. The celebration of Durga Puja, alongside the Telangana Bathukamma festival, has become a symbol of the rich cultural diversity and inclusivity that characterizes the region. Sai, a key organizing committee member, is proud of how far the association has come.
"It's amazing to see how something that started so small has grown into something this big. It's not just about the festival anymore; it's about creating a sense of belonging and pride for our community," says Sai. "We are carrying forward a tradition, but we are also building new bonds with every year." In addition to the religious festivities, the celebration also features cultural programs, including traditional dances and music that reflect the heritage of the state festival Bathukamma. The youth members take on various roles, from organizing the events to ensuring everything runs smoothly. What makes the SK Youth Association's efforts truly commendable is the scale of the celebration, and the motivation behind it showing how dedication, passion, and a sense of community can turn even the simplest of ideas into something extraordinary. As the 10-day festivities continue to draw large crowds, it's clear that the Durga Puja celebration at Vittal Rao Nagar is more than just a religious event. Bhaskar, Srinivas, Sai, and the other members of the SK Youth Association have shown that festivals are not just about rituals—they're about community, togetherness, and creating lasting memories for everyone involved.
