Culture of Secunderabad

Secunderabad is a cosmopolitan town and was referred to as 'Lashkar' which means army. As compared to Hyderabad, the culture has always been liberal due to the presence of British. For instance, Plaza cinema located here was the only cinema hall in the entire country where the audience could sip beer while watching a movie. Another theatre known as Sangeet theatre screened only western movies. Secunderabad club was established in 1878 in a large house gifted by Salar Jung I.

Cultural Ambience of Secunderabad Today

There are many shopping centres and restaurants, IT companies, manufacturing companies, educational institutions and tourist places in Secunderabad today. Most of the government offices are situated in Hyderabad. Secunderabad has more of residential colonies, railway institutions, parks and grounds. These grounds serve as venues for Republic day parade, festivities and political meetings.

Festivals celebrated by People in Secunderabad

The culture of Secunderabad is very different from the 'Culture of Nawabs' which has been popular in Hyderabad. However, the sophistication and splendour is still evident and the different communities residing here live with elan and peace. Christmas is the main festival of Christians residing here. Hindus in Telangana region celebrate 'Bonalu Jatara' when monsoon season commences (known as Ashada jathara). For Muslims, Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting.

Other festivals celebrated here throughout the year are Ugadi, Deccan festival, Diwali, Makar Sankranti (celebrated in January during harvest season), Lumbini Festival (Buddhist festival celebrated in December), Ganesh Chaturthi,  Shivratri, Deccan Festival etc. The first day of Sankranti is known as Bhogi, second day is called Sankranthi and the third day is referred to as Kanuma.

Doll shows are common here which families organize for festivity. Then there are ram fights and bull fights when bulls are decked up with garlands and flowers. Fairs are also held from time to time. This is the time when people dress up in colourful traditional clothes and enjoy each others company.

Dance and Music in Secunderabad

Dance and music are the integral part of culture here. No festival or celebration is complete without dances and music renditions. Perini and Kuchipudi dance are popular dances here. People here are fond of classical music, dance-dramas and instrumental music. What to say of Carnatic music! That flows in the very fabric of the culture of Secunderabad.

Famous People from Secunderabad

The list of famous people from Secunderabad is quite a long one. It will make anyone living in Secunderabad proud of them. The names include Shyam Benegal (Film Director, screen writer), Femina Miss India Diana Hayden,  Padmapriya Janakiraman (film actress) and test cricketer and TV commentator M.L.Jaisimha.

Cuisine of Secunderabad

You must have heard about 'Hyderabadi pulao' - the spicy rice preparation of Hyderabad. Well, there are many more such recipes you can savour when you visit the twin cities. In Secunderabad, you can well enjoy Deccani, Hyderabadi and Mughalai cuisine. Not to miss the delectable dishes belonging to Telugu cuisine! Mouth watering dishes include Hyderabadi biryani, kali mirch pasandey, phirni, dil khush, lamb kofta curry and raw banana curry etc. Click here to read more on cuisine of Secunderabad

Also read:
Culture of Hyderabad