Hyderabad’s open cultural space Lamakaan will celebrate its 16th anniversary with a four-day programme from February 5 to February 8, 2026, featuring literature, theatre, dance, poetry and political dialogue in new and experimental formats.
The celebrations will open with a special reading by veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who will present excerpts from the works of noted Urdu dramatist Imtiaz Ali Taj, best known for Anarkali, later adapted into the classic Hindi film Mughal-e-Azam.
Speaking about the anniversary programme, Ashhar Farhan, one of Lamakaan’s founders, said the focus this year marked a clear shift in approach. “This year is a move from being reflective to being progressive,” he said, adding that the programming would be more exploratory and experimental in nature.
Urdu literature forms a key strand of this year’s celebrations, with an emphasis on rediscovering dramatists such as Imtiaz Ali Taj. Telugu literature will also be in focus, with discussions examining how economic liberalisation has influenced literary themes and concerns.
Among the more unusual offerings is a Bharatanatyam adaptation of Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poem Utho Ab Maati Se, which reflects on Palestine. According to Mr. Farhan, the idea is to place political and literary texts within new performative contexts.
Lamakaan’s engagement with poetry has also evolved over the years. “Earlier, we explored the lives of poets. Now we want to examine how poetics itself has evolved and changed over time,” he said.
Political discussions at the venue are also being reimagined. Moving away from what Mr. Farhan described as ‘hard talks’ with politicians, the focus is now on broader political processes. An upcoming session by Biju Mathew, who worked closely on Zohran Mamdani’s election campaign in New York, will offer insights into how minority candidates can succeed in highly capitalist urban environments.
The programme will also feature reinterpretations of established narratives, including ‘Du Saraswati’, which retells episodes from Indian epics through the perspective of a Dalit woman.
Hyderabad is gearing up to host a city-wide marathon celebrating its cultural legacy and civic pride. The Heritage Run, scheduled for February 22, 2026, is being jointly organized by Telangana Tourism and Rapido, with over 5,000 participants expected from various age groups and backgrounds.
The 5K and 10K routes will start and end at the Qutub Shahi Tombs, passing through scenic heritage stretches such as Golconda Fort and Taramati Baradari. The 21K half marathon will begin at Charminar and conclude at the Qutub Shahi Tombs, covering landmarks including High Court, City College, State Assembly, and Golconda Fort.
Kranthi Valluru, Managing Director of Telangana Tourism Development Corporation, said the event aims to encourage participants to engage with Hyderabad’s architectural, historical, and social fabric through movement and participation.
Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan highlighted the initiative’s dual focus on fitness and cultural awareness, stating, “Hyderabad’s heritage extends beyond monuments and lives in its streets, neighborhoods, and people. The run offers residents an opportunity to reconnect with the city while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.”
The Heritage Run is part of Telangana’s broader efforts to promote tourism through innovative and inclusive initiatives, combining public participation with celebration of the city’s rich heritage.
Dates: July 5th & 6th, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Venue:Old Big Bazaar, Beside Decathlon, Boduppal, Uppal, Hyderabad
In the heart of Hyderabad’s bustling cultural spirit, a unique event is all set to bring communities together, showcase talent, and uplift local entrepreneurs—Mana Santha is back!
This isn’t just another flea market. It’s a celebration of creativity, empowerment, and local craftsmanship. Scheduled for July 5th and 6th, 2025, at the spacious Savithri Gardens in Boduppal, Mana Santha offers a vibrant mix of shopping, learning, and family fun.
✨ What Makes Mana Santha Special?
Organized with the theme “Mahilaa Abhivruddhi Neti Avasaram” (Today’s Need for Women Empowerment), Mana Santha is a platform designed to:
Promote self-reliance and small businesses
Empower women entrepreneurs and artisans
Encourage “Vocal for Local” spirit in the community
This event brings together handmade products, organic innovations, traditional textiles, and cultural food stalls, creating a space where passion meets purpose.
🛍️ Stall Highlights – A Shopper’s Paradise
Walk through rows of beautifully curated stalls offering:
💄 Beauty Products – Natural skincare and wellness items
🧸 Toys & Crafts – Unique, creative options for all ages
Whether you’re a connoisseur of crafts or just browsing for a weekend activity, there’s something for everyone.
🎨 Free Workshops – Unleash Your Creativity!
Don’t just shop – learn and create! Mana Santha features an Activity Zone with free creative workshops that are fun for kids, teens, and adults alike.
Featured Activities:
🌟 Clay Jewellery Making
🌟 Tie & Dye Art
🌟 Fabric Painting Workshop
🌟 Custom Art on Jeans & T-Shirts
🌟 Bottle Art Creations
…and much more!
All workshops are free and open to all. It’s the perfect chance to explore your artistic side or discover a new hobby.
💸 Want to Sell? Book Your Stall for Just ₹300/Day!
Calling all passionate creators, entrepreneurs, and home-based business owners! If you’ve got something handmade, local, or innovative to sell—Mana Santha is your stage.
🛍️ Stall Price: ₹300 per day
📞 Booking Contacts: 88856 70745 | 82474 41635
With footfall from across the city and an audience eager to shop small and support local, this is a golden opportunity to grow your reach.
💖 Why You Should Attend Mana Santha
✅ Empower Women & Local Talent
✅ Experience Authentic Arts & Crafts
✅ Enjoy a Family-Friendly Weekend
✅ Celebrate “Vocal for Local” Movement
“Mana Santha is not just a market. It’s a movement, a mission, and a celebration of the local spirit.”
Bring your friends, your family, and your festive spirit. Let’s shop, learn, support, and celebrate together. This July, let Mana Santha be your destination for everything handmade, heartfelt, and homegrown.
📍 Directions:
Old Big Bazaar, Beside Decathlon, Boduppal, Uppal, Hyderabad
🗓️ Dates: July 5th & 6th 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
📅 జూలై 5 & 6, 2025 🕙 ఉదయం 10:00 – సాయంత్రం 6:00 📍 పాత బిగ్ బజార, డెక్కత్లాన్ పక్కన, బోడుప్పల్, ఉప్పల్, హైదరాబాదు
ఇది మేళా కాదు – ఇది ఒక మార్గం, ఒక ప్రేరణ, ఒక అవకాశము!
మన సంథా – ఒక రంగురంగుల సాంస్కృతిక పండుగ, మహిళా పారిశ్రామికవేత్తలకు మరియు స్థానిక కళాకారులకు ఒక గొప్ప వేదిక. “మహిళా అభివృద్ధి – నేటి అవసరం” అనే థీమ్ తో, ఈ ఈవెంట్ జూలై 5 & 6న హైదరాబాదులో జరగబోతోంది.
🎨 ఎందుకు మన సంథా ప్రత్యేకం?
✅ స్వయం ఉపాధికి మద్దతు
✅ మహిళల శక్తిని వెలికితీసే వేదిక
✅ కుటుంబమంతా ఎంజాయ్ చేయగల కలర్ఫుల్ ఈవెంట్
✅ “వొకల్ ఫర్ లోకల్” భావనకు నిజమైన అమలురూపం
🛍️ వస్తువుల శోభ – స్టాల్ హైలైట్స్
ఇక్కడ మీరు కొనుగోలు చేయగల ప్రతిది:
💄 బ్యూటీ ఉత్పత్తులు
🌿 సేంద్రీయ ఉత్పత్తులు
🧵 హ్యాండ్లూమ్ చీరలు, కుర్తీలు
✂️ రెడీమేడ్ బ్లౌజులు
💍 వివిధ రకాల ఆభరణాలు
👜 హస్తకళా సంచులు, డెకోర్ వస్తువులు, బాంగిల్స్
🍲 స్నాక్స్, ఊరగాయలు, టాయ్స్, హోం-మేడ్ ఆహారం
ఇది షాపింగ్ మాత్రమే కాదు – అనుభవం!
🎨 చెయ్యండి, నేర్చుకోండి – ఉచిత వర్క్షాప్లు!
చిన్న పిల్లలు నుంచి పెద్ద వాళ్ల వరకూ అందరికీ కావలసిన క్రియేటివ్ కర్ఫ్యూలు:
🌟 మట్టి ఆభరణాల తయారీ
🌟 టై & డై ఆర్ట్
🌟 ఫాబ్రిక్ పెయింటింగ్
🌟 జీన్స్, టీషర్ట్ మీద ఆర్ట్
🌟 బాటిల్ ఆర్ట్
ఇంకా ఎన్నో క్రియేటివ్ ఆకర్షణలు!
💸 మీ ఉత్పత్తులు అమ్మాలనుకుంటున్నారా? స్టాల్ కేవలం ₹300/రోజు!
మీరు హోమ్ బేస్డ్ వ్యాపారస్తులా? హస్తకారులా? అయితే ఇది మీకో అవకాశం! 📞 స్టాల్ బుకింగ్ కోసం కాల్ చేయండి: 📲 88856 70745 | 82474 41635
🌟 ఎందుకు రాలోచించాలి మన సంథాకి?
✅ మహిళల సాధికారతకు మద్దతు
✅ హస్తకళలను ప్రోత్సహించేందుకు
✅ కుటుంబంతో కలిసి ఎంజాయ్ చేయడానికి
✅ మనం చేసిందే మనకు అడ్డుగా ఉండాలి – మనకే మనం బలం!
రండి చూడండి, కొనండి, నేర్చుకోండి, ఎంజాయ్ చేయండి – మన క్రియేటివిటీతో మన సంథాలో కలుద్దాం!
📍 స్థలం వివరాలు:
పాత బిగ్ బజార్, డెక్కత్లాన్ పక్కన, బోడుప్పల్, ఉప్పల్, హైదరాబాదు 📅 తేదీలు: జూలై 5 & 6, 2025 🕙 సమయం: ఉదయం 10 నుండి సాయంత్రం 6 వరకు
