FILE: Policemen march past Telangana state's coat-of-arms during Formation Day celebrations in Secunderabad on June 2, 2014. (Agence France-Presse)
Telangana Government is all set for the week-long celebrations to observe Formation Day on June 2, marking one year of formation of the new state.
The 10 districts in the newly-formed state have geared up for celebrating 'Telangana Formation Day' that will witness a host of events as part of week-long celebration on Telangana's culture and struggle (for statehood) on a grand scale.
The official celebrations, to be held from June 2-7, will have a series of cultural and literary programmes along with a slew of events that will showcase the rich history and culture of the new state.
Telangana was formed as the 29th state of the country on June 2 last year, after it was carved out of Andhra Pradesh.
The celebrations will commence with floral tributes paid at Martyrs Memorial in Hyderabad's Gun Park on June 2, unfurling of the national flag on all government offices, march past by security forces at Parade Grounds and tableaux show by various departments which will be followed by distribution of awards, BP Acharya, Tourism and Culture principal secretary, said.
In remembrance of the struggle and sacrifice made during the formation of the state, the government is planning to hold events covering all fields, from literature to music across all districts throughout the week.
In addition to it, citizens of the state who have rendered significant service in their respective fields would be honoured each with a cash award.
At district-level, the celebrations will begin with paying tributes to Telanganga martyrs on June 2. Numerous venues in Hyderabad as well as Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi would be hosting these events for the public, he said.
"The story of Telangana has been a very symbolic and heroic one. With its first year anniversary, we are all geared up for this seven day carnival. The idea is to create a mood of festivity.. everywhere we want people to celebrate," Mr Acharya said.
Cultural programmes will include musical shows, events on Telangana cinema, ballet dance by renowned performers, folk art performances, folk songs, 'yaksha gaanam', comedy shows, besides seminars and cultural programmes of various states will feature in the celebrations.
For the first time in the state, a 3D illuminating mapping will be done at Clock Tower, Buddha Statue and at Kachiguda railway station in the city, Mr Acharya said.
Raj Bhavan, Necklace Road, Hussain Sagar, Lumbini Park, Metrorail pillars, traffic signals and government office buildings will be brightly illuminated, he said, adding, there will be 15 minute firework display at 15 locations, in and around Hyderabad.
Daily programmes will highlight the cultural identity of communities like Sikhs, Gujaratis and Maharashtrians, among others.
Noted ghazal singer Ghulam Ali will perform at Charminar on June 5.
The Telangana Golf Association will host the first inter-state Golf Championship at Hyderabad Golf Association from June 2-5.
A Telangana food festival and 'Dawat-e-Hyderabad' would be organised at People's Plaza.
Films of noted filmmakers from Telangana like Shyam Benegal and S Narsing Rao will be screened at Lalita Kala Toranam, the official said.
Artistes of Telangana's 'Sanskrutika Sarathi' will embark on a 'Telangana Sanskrutika Jaitrayatra', covering two districts in a day. The yatra will begin at Necklace Road here on June 2 and return to Tank Bund in Hyderabad on June 7.
Anganwadi workers and women's SHG groups in large numbers are likely to participate in the rally.
On the valedictory day, more than 5,000 artists from different districts will participate in programmes, Mr Acharya added.