From Nobel Laureates and Sufi soul to shadow puppets and stand-up—your guide to a culturally packed Republic Day weekend
Hyderabad is shedding its “work-only” skin this weekend, transforming into a massive stage for literature, traditional arts, and soul-stirring music. With Republic Day on Monday creating a perfect long weekend, the city’s calendar is overflowing.
Whether you want to debate global issues with Nobel winners or find zen under the stars at an amphitheatre, here are the five spots you need to be at this weekend.
1. The Intellectual Hub: Hyderabad Literary Festival (HLF)
The 16th edition of HLF is moving to the heart of the tech corridor, and the lineup is as prestigious as ever. This year, the focus shifts to the urgent—climate change and science—and the ancestral—indigenous and endangered languages.
- Why go: It’s a rare chance to hear Nobel laureates Abhijit Banerjee and Kailash Satyarthi speak. Between sessions, catch the Youngistaan Nukkad street theatre or get lost in the massive book fair.
- When: Sat, Jan 24 – Mon, Jan 26 | 11:00 AM onwards
- Where: Sattva Knowledge City & District 150, HITEC City
- Entry: Free | Details: hydlitfest.org
2. The Heritage Escape: Smruthi Multi-Arts Festival
If you need a break from the city’s concrete, head to the waterside at Gandipet. Smruthi is a celebration of Telangana’s “slow living” and artistic roots. It’s hands-on, nostalgic, and entirely immersive.
- Why go: You can actually learn Cheriyal painting, Telugu calligraphy, or Kondapalli toy making in free workshops. Don’t miss the Tholubommalata (shadow puppetry) sessions—a dying art form that is magical to witness.
- When: Sat, Jan 24 – Sun, Jan 25 | 10:00 AM onwards
- Where: Ayurvan Waterside Resort, Khanapur Village
- Entry: Free (Registration mandatory via district.in)
3. The Deep Dive: ‘Paaswala’ at Nishumbita
For those who appreciate the raw power of theatre, Paaswala is a must-watch. Adapted from the work of the late Marathi playwright Jayant Pawar, this play explores the life of a family living within a crematorium.
- Why go: It is a profound meditation on how humans find the strength to celebrate birthdays and marriages while standing in the literal shadow of death. It’s the kind of performance that stays with you long after the curtains fall.
- When: Saturday, Jan 24 | 7:30 PM
- Where: Nishumbita School of Drama, Patigada, Begumpet
- Entry: ₹500 (Tickets available at the venue)
4. The Spiritual High: Ruhaniyat
There is no better way to spend Republic Day evening than at the Taramati Baradari amphitheatre. Ruhaniyat brings together the “Great Masters” of Sufi, Bhakti, and folk music for an evening of transcendental sounds.
- Why go: Expect a hauntingly beautiful mix of Baul songs, Kabir couplets, and high-energy Qawwali. It’s an open-air experience designed to promote peace and harmony in an “unravelling world.”
- When: Monday, Jan 26 | 6:30 PM
- Where: Taramati Baradari, Ibrahim Bagh
- Entry: From ₹500 | Book on BookMyShow.com
5. The Stress Buster: Rajat Chauhan Live
Need a laugh before the Tuesday morning work blues kick in? Engineer-turned-comedian Rajat Chauhan is bringing his signature “clean comedy” to Secunderabad.
- Why go: Rajat specializes in the comedy of the mundane—corporate struggles, unreasonable bosses, and the absurdities of daily life. It’s relatable, witty, and arguably cheaper than therapy.
- When: Monday, Jan 26 | 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
- Where: The Comedy Theatre, Near Begumpet Metro
- Entry: From ₹599 | Book on BookMyShow.com
