Hyderabad: The Hare Krishna Movement (HKM), Hyderabad, marked the grand success of its Annual Heritage & Cultural Festival, the “Hare Krishna International Heritage Fest,” at Ravindra Bharathi today. Organized by SUMEDHASA, the cultural wing of HKM, the event celebrated India’s rich heritage, vibrant traditions, and timeless Vedic wisdom.
This cultural extravaganza has established itself as a cornerstone of cultural and educational enrichment in the twin cities, attracting participation from over 23,000 students representing more than 250 schools. Spanning several months, the festival featured a wide range of contests, including qualifying rounds, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals, ultimately culminating in today’s grand prize distribution ceremony.
The Heritage Fest aims to instill spiritual and cultural values in young minds, serving as a bridge between India’s treasured traditions and the next generation. The festival stands out not only for its diverse array of competitions but also for its unique blend ofenlightenment, creativity, entertainment, and education.
Today’s event was graced by Chief Guest Sri Burra Venkatesham, IAS, Chairman of the Telangana State Public Service Commission, and His Grace Sri Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa Prabhuji, M.Tech (IIT Chennai), President of HKM Hyderabad and Regional President of the Akshaya Patra Foundation for Telangana & Andhra Pradesh.
The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by dignitaries and a chorus of auspicious mantras chanted by children. Prize-winning students showcased their talents through captivating performances in classical and folk dance, drama, music, rangoli, storytelling, elocution, and more.
Students who excelled in various categories were awarded trophies, shields, and certificates, while schools with outstanding participation were honored with Champions Trophies. Judges, venue hosts, and key contributors to the festival were also recognized for their efforts in making the event a resounding success.
In his address, Sri Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa Prabhuji praised the participants, highlighting the festival’s role in fostering self-confidence, creativity, leadership skills, and teamwork among children. He emphasized that the Heritage Fest bridges the cultural divide in a fast-paced, technology-driven world, nurturing moral and cultural values alongside intellectual growth.
“This year’s event was a convergence of tradition and innovation, providing children with an opportunity to connect with their roots while embracing creativity and collaboration,” Prabhuji said.
From Bhagavad Gita Sloka chanting to culinary art, floral decoration, painting, and Puranic costume displays, the festival offered a platform for students to express their creativity and explore Indian heritage. Over 1,500 students reached the semi-finals, and more than 600 participated in the finals. Of these, 275 winners were awarded prizes today, with first–, second, and third-place winners receiving special honors.
The Heritage Fest attracted enthusiastic attendance from school management, parents, and students alike. The audience was treated to a visual feast of vibrant performances and displays of artistic talent.
Buoyed by the overwhelming response, the Hare Krishna Movement announced plans to expand the Heritage Fest to the entire state next year, underscoring its commitment to promoting cultural education and enrichment.
As the curtains fell on this year’s festivities, the Heritage Fest once again proved itself to be a unique and cherished celebration, inspiring the younger generation to carry forward the legacy of India’s timeless heritage.
