Sat Nov 02 18:04:50 UTC 2024: ## Hyderabad Celebrates Dunnapotula Pandaga with Parade of Buffalo Bulls
**Hyderabad, November 2, 2024** – The streets of Hyderabad were filled with the thunderous bellows of buffalo bulls as the Yadav community celebrated Dunnapotula Pandaga, a state festival honoring their livestock. The festival, which began 70 years ago, is a celebration of the hard work and dedication of Yadav community members in raising and caring for their buffaloes.
The festivities kicked off in Narayanguda on Saturday, with hundreds of elaborately adorned bulls paraded through the streets. The bulls, freshly shaved and coated in mustard oil, were a sight to behold as they towered over their handlers.
“The festival is simply a celebration of the bulls,” said Balraju Yadav, a participant from Bowenpally. “There are no prizes or winners. Everyone brings their buffalo bulls to showcase their skills in controlling them.”
The event was marked by a cacophony of cheers, with chants of “Wah wah Yadav, Em mata em mata” and “Jai Yadav, Jai Madhav” echoing through the streets. The Shanti and Shalimar cinema halls were transformed into festive spaces with strobe lights and music, serving as a starting point for the buffalo parade.
Krishna Yadav, a participant from Kachiguda, brought two prized buffalo bulls to the festival. “Others may have bigger animals, but mine are very obedient,” he said, proudly demonstrating their ability to stand on their hind legs for a few minutes. “The real show starts at midnight,” he added.
However, the festival also reflects the changing realities of the Yadav community. With many young members pursuing careers in IT and other fields, the tradition of buffalo raising is dwindling. “Earlier there were more bulls, but now the numbers have dwindled,” said Balraju Yadav. “My two sons work in IT companies and aren’t interested in rearing animals.”
Despite these challenges, the Dunnapotula Pandaga remains a vibrant celebration of the Yadav community’s heritage and their deep connection with their livestock. It serves as a reminder of the crucial role that buffaloes have played in their livelihood and culture.
First Piper 