Indian Community • Dallas-Fort Worth
Telugu Community in Dallas-Fort Worth
30,000+ Telugu speakers • Telugu surpassed Spanish in Frisco ISD • Fastest-growing language in America
DFW is the Telugu capital of America. With an estimated 30,000+ Telugu speakers (ACS 2022), Telugu is the fastest-growing language in the metro — surpassing Spanish in Frisco schools. From TANTEX (founded 1986) to the massive Bathukamma celebrations drawing 10,000+ people, this is not just an Indian community with some Telugu families. This is Dallaspuram.
Last updated: March 2026 • Full Indian Community guide for Dallas-Fort Worth →
Why Telugu Families Choose DFW
Dallas has been a Telugu hub since the 1990s IT boom, when H-1B visa holders from Hyderabad and across Andhra Pradesh flooded into IT consulting firms in Las Colinas and Richardson’s Telecom Corridor. The Telugu community calls it “Dallaspuram” — Dallas + the Telugu suffix for town. Texas itself has earned the nickname “Telugu Agraharam.”
The numbers tell the story: Telugu is the fastest-growing language in America, surging 86% between 2010 and 2017 and quadrupling from 320,000 speakers nationwide in 2016 to 1.23 million in 2024. Texas has roughly 150,000 Telugu speakers (ACS 2022) — second only to California — and DFW is the epicenter. In 2025, Telugu surpassed Spanish as the most common non-English home language among emergent bilingual students in Frisco ISD. The same happened in Celina ISD. In Coppell ISD, Telugu nearly matched Spanish by 2019.
What draws Telugu families here is the combination: IT and tech jobs with major H-1B sponsors, no Texas state income tax, affordable housing compared to the Bay Area or New Jersey, top-rated school districts, and a Telugu community infrastructure — temples, associations, radio stations, restaurants, language schools — that is unmatched anywhere in the country.
Where Telugu Families Live in DFW
DFW has over 235,000 Indian residents, but “Indian” is not one community. Census language data reveals that Telugu families concentrate in specific suburbs, while other areas are predominantly Hindi-speaking, Gujarati, or Malayali. Here is where Telugu speakers actually live, based on U.S. Census American Community Survey PUMA data.
Irving & Coppell — The Telugu Capital (8,360 Telugu speakers (ACS 2022))
This corridor is the single largest concentration of Telugu speakers in DFW, and likely in all of America. Telugu (8,360 speakers (ACS 2022)) far outnumbers Hindi (6,741) and Tamil (5,102) here. The Las Colinas business district drove early Telugu settlement in the 1990s through IT consulting firms like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro. North MacArthur Blvd is the heart of the Telugu food scene — home to Simply South (named one of the New York Times’ Top 50 Restaurants in America in 2024) and Amaravati Indian Fine Dine, both specifically Andhra restaurants. TANTEX is headquartered here. DFW Hindu Temple has offered Telugu classes since 1997.
Frisco East — The Telugu Growth Engine (4,809 Telugu speakers (ACS 2022))
Frisco East is 35% Telugu among its Indian language speakers — the highest concentration of any DFW suburb. Telugu (4,809) leads, followed by Tamil (2,902) and Hindi (2,208). This is a South Indian corridor. Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple anchors the community on 10 acres with 34,000 square feet of traditional South Indian Dravidian architecture. Frisco ISD accepted SiliconAndhra ManaBadi’s Telugu courses for world language credit in 2018 — your kids can fulfill Texas graduation requirements in Telugu. Newer housing stock with median household income of $127,951 (ACS 2022).
Frisco West, The Colony & Little Elm (4,205 Telugu speakers (ACS 2022))
Telugu leads here too (4,205), with Malayalam/Kannada (2,152) and Tamil (2,101) as strong secondary communities. Median household income is $140,427 (ACS 2022) with 77.4% homeownership (ACS 2022). This area also has a notable West African population (1,053 Yoruba/Igbo speakers (ACS 2022)), making it one of the more internationally diverse parts of DFW. Good value compared to Frisco East, with newer master-planned communities.
Celina & Prosper — The New Frontier (2,607 Telugu speakers (ACS 2022))
The newest Telugu settlement area, with the highest median income ($165,240) and homeownership (85.1%) of any Indian PUMA in DFW. Telugu (2,607) and Hindi (2,221) are close, with Marathi/Nepali (1,318) also strong. Celina ISD saw Telugu surpass Spanish among emergent bilingual students. These are brand-new subdivisions with families buying their “forever homes” — representing the latest wave of Telugu prosperity in DFW.
Where Telugu Is NOT the Dominant Community
Not all “Indian” suburbs are Telugu. Allen, Murphy, and Plano East are predominantly Hindi-speaking (3,040) and Urdu-speaking (2,145), with Gujarati (1,360) also strong — Telugu is only 969 speakers there. Plano Central is heavily Urdu (1,412) and Hindi (1,132), with just 108 Telugu speakers (ACS 2022). Carrollton North is the Malayali/Keralite corridor (2,557 Malayalam/Kannada speakers (ACS 2022) — highest in DFW). If you are Telugu and choosing a suburb, the Irving–Coppell–Frisco–Celina corridor is where your community is strongest.
Telugu Organizations in DFW
DFW has one of the densest networks of Telugu organizations anywhere in America. There are associations for Andhra, Telangana, and Rayalaseema communities, plus chapters of every major national Telugu organization.
TANTEX — Telugu Association of North Texas
Founded 1986 • Irving, TX • tantex.org
The oldest and most established Telugu organization in DFW. TANTEX is the cultural backbone of the community, organizing year-round programs: Ugadi Vedukalu (Telugu New Year, held at Frisco High School with live bands and cultural performances), Sankranthi Sambaralu (at the Irving Arts Center), and Deepavali Vedukalu. Their literary wing Sahitya Vedika hosts “Nela Nela Telugu Vennela” — a monthly gathering of Telugu writers and literary enthusiasts on the third Sunday of each month. TANTEX also runs Vanitaa Vedika (women’s forum), Spoorthi (youth platform), and sports programs including cricket and volleyball. Life membership is $200/family. They publish the quarterly magazine Telugu Velugu.
TPAD — Telangana People’s Association of Dallas
Founded 2014 • tpadus.org • Instagram: @tpad_us
TPAD was founded the same year Telangana became India’s 29th state, with a mission to preserve Telangana cultural identity in DFW. Their flagship event is the annual Bathukamma & Dasara Sambaralu at the Allen Event Center — the largest Bathukamma celebration outside of Telangana, drawing 10,000+ attendees with free admission. The 2025 event featured a live concert by Tollywood music director SS Thaman. TPAD also organizes Vanabhojanalu (traditional outdoor community picnics with on-site cooking of Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani and Bagara Rice), Telangana Formation Day celebrations, and community blood drives in partnership with Carter Blood Care.
DATA — Dallas Area Telangana Association
dataus.org
A second Telangana-focused organization serving DFW. DATA organizes Oorura Bathukamma celebrations across 8 different suburbs in the Dallas area, featuring a 21-foot Bathukamma display, Raavan Dahan, fireworks, and Dasara Veshalu competitions. They also run community service activities including food drives, clothing drives, and volunteer events.
National Telugu Organizations with DFW Presence
NATA (North American Telugu Association) — Held their 2023 convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas, drawing 15,000+ attendees per day over three days. Featured Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Tollywood celebrity appearances, cultural performances, immigration panels, and a beauty pageant. nataconventions.org
NATS (North America Telugu Society) — Has a dedicated Dallas chapter. Their Dallas Telugu Vedukalu 2024 was held at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, featuring Tollywood celebrities, cultural performances, and cricket/volleyball tournaments. Helpline: 1-888-4-TELUGU. natsworld.org
TANA (Telugu Association of North America) — The oldest national Telugu organization, founded 1977. Has hosted conventions in Dallas featuring Tollywood performers. tana.org
ATA (American Telugu Association) — Founded 1990. Dallas chapter hosts Women’s Day celebrations, college preparation workshops (300+ attendees), charity golf tournaments, and senior programs. americanteluguassociation.org
GRADA & DARA — Greater Rayalaseema Association of Dallas Area (gradaus.org) and Dallas Area Rayalaseema Association (daraus.org) serve families from the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, organizing Ugadi celebrations and community events.
Telugu Temples & Worship
Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple
12030 Independence Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75035 • dallashanuman.org • 1-866-996-6767
The spiritual anchor of DFW’s Telugu community. Built on 10 acres with 34,000 square feet of traditional South Indian Dravidian-style architecture, designed according to the Agama Shastras. The 70-72 foot Rajagopuram (monumental entrance tower) features five tiers of carved deities and mythical figures. Established by His Holiness Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji of Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysore. The temple offers Telugu language classes, Kuchipudi dance classes (the Telugu classical dance form), Carnatic music instruction, and children’s religious education through the Bala Datta program. Free lunch every Saturday. Aarti conducted twice daily.
DFW Hindu Temple (Ekta Mandir)
1605 North Britain Rd, Irving, TX 75061 • dfwhindutemple.org • 972-445-3111
DFW’s oldest Hindu temple, established 1981. The Vidya Vikas school has offered Telugu classes since 1997, started by Ananda Murthy Kuchibhotla. Telugu curriculum runs across three levels: alphabet and Vemana poems (Level I), Guninthaalu and vocabulary (Level II), and Vottulu and advanced reading (Level III). Classes every Sunday 9:00 AM – 2:15 PM. Also celebrates Ugadi with special pujas. Contact: vidyavikas@dfwhindutemple.org
Telugu Christian Churches
DFW has at least five Telugu-language Christian congregations:
- Telugu Community Church — 8001 Mustang Dr, Irving, TX 75063. Founded November 2012. Sunday worship at 11:00 AM, Wednesday Bible study 8–9 PM. teluguchurchdfw.org
- Telugu Church at DFW — 1714 N Story Rd, Irving, TX 75061. teluguchurchatdfw.org
- The Jesus Way of Life Telugu Church — 8124 Main Street, Frisco, TX. Pastor Daya Kumar Vempala. thejesuswaychurch.com
- Arise and Shine Fellowship (Dallas ASF) — 1930 Gateway Dr, Irving, TX. Telugu service Sunday 3:00 PM. dallasasf.org
- Grace Generation Church — Telugu and English worship. gracegenerationchurch.org
Telugu Festivals in DFW
Bathukamma — The Biggest Telugu Festival in America
The crown jewel of DFW’s Telugu cultural calendar. Bathukamma (“Mother of Life”) is the defining Telangana festival, honoring Goddess Gauri during the Navaratri season. TPAD organizes the main celebration at the Allen Event Center (200 E Stacy Rd, Allen, TX), drawing 10,000+ attendees — the largest Bathukamma outside of Telangana. 1,500+ women play Bathukamma simultaneously, dancing in circles holding floral arrangements while dressed in traditional saris. Free admission and free parking. The 2025 event featured a live concert by Tollywood music director SS Thaman. DATA separately organizes Oorura Bathukamma across 8 DFW suburbs, featuring a 21-foot Bathukamma display, Raavan Dahan, and fireworks. October annually.
Ugadi — Telugu New Year
TANTEX organizes Ugadi Vedukalu every spring, typically held at Frisco High School (6401 Parkwood Blvd). Features live performances, Telugu music, and a traditional Ugadi dinner with Ugadi Pachadi (the six-taste chutney symbolizing life’s experiences). GRADA (Rayalaseema association) also hosts Ugadi events. DFW Hindu Temple conducts special Ugadi pujas. March/April annually.
Sankranthi
TANTEX’s Sankranthi Sambaralu is held at the Irving Arts Center, featuring cultural programs, performances, vendor booths, and traditional food. One of the Telugu community’s biggest winter gatherings. January annually.
Bonalu & Telangana Formation Day
Bonalu, the traditional Telangana festival honoring Goddess Mahakali, is celebrated in DFW during July/August. TPAD organizes Telangana Formation Day celebrations on June 2nd, marking the anniversary of Telangana’s statehood (2014) — the first celebration in Dallas drew 2,500+ people.
Telugu Food & Restaurants
DFW has over 350 Indian restaurants, and an estimated 60–70% are run by Telugu entrepreneurs. Many are IT professionals who started restaurants as side ventures. Here are the standouts for authentic Andhra and Telangana cuisine — not generic “Indian.”
Andhra & Telangana Restaurants
- Simply South — 1001 MacArthur Park Dr, Irving. Named one of the New York Times’ Top 50 Restaurants in America (2024) — the only DFW restaurant on the list. Fully vegetarian South Indian, specializing in Andhra cuisine. NYT reviewer Priya Krishna wrote: “The Sunday scene here speaks volumes: The wait is three hours, the chatter of Telugu fills the space.” Expanding to Frisco.
- Amaravati Indian Fine Dine — 5435 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving. Owned by Malathi Gundala and Manjulata Kanneganti, who wanted to bring their native Andhra Pradesh food to DFW. Known for uncommonly spicy cuisine. South Indian vegetarian breakfasts (idli, pongal, dosas). Open 7am–11pm daily.
- Sai Gayatri Curry Point — 6449 Coit Rd Ste 112, Frisco. “Authentic homemade traditional mom-style food.” Menu includes pesarattu (green gram dosa) and gongura dal. Reviewers call it “as close as you can get to home food if you are from the Andhra region.”
- Vindu Indian Cuisine — 4701 Frankford Rd, Dallas. Operating since 1996 — one of the oldest Indian restaurants in DFW. Menu includes punugulu (Andhra-style lentil fritters), cut mirchi, and Hyderabadi chicken biryani.
Hyderabadi Biryani
- Bawarchi Biryanis — 8201 Ohio Dr, Plano. Their Hyderabadi Dum Biryani is described as “a benchmark for biryanis in America.” Try the Avakai (Andhra mango pickle) biryani combo. Also has a Frisco location.
- Paradise Biryani — Plano. Named after the iconic Hyderabad restaurant chain.
- Hyderabad House — Fort Worth. Authentic Hyderabadi cuisine chain.
Telugu Grocery Shopping
India Cash and Carry has an exclusive Hyderabadi/Andhra section with gongura pickles, biryani masalas, Haleem mix, and Irani Chai. India Bazaar (12 locations across DFW) carries Sona Masoori rice (the Telugu staple, distinct from Basmati), Priya and Telugu Foods brand pickles (gongura, avakaya), fresh curry leaves, tamarind, and Andhra spice mixes. MyHomeGrocers is a Dallas-based online grocery with same-day delivery across DFW, carrying Telugu Foods brand products — essentially a Telugu-oriented online grocery. Patel Brothers in Irving also carries standard Andhra items.
Telugu Language & Education
Telugu for School Credit — SiliconAndhra ManaBadi
In April 2018, Frisco ISD approved SiliconAndhra ManaBadi as an accredited institution for Telugu language courses. Students can earn world language credit in Telugu — fulfilling the Texas high school graduation requirement of two years of a foreign language. Courses are taken outside normal school hours through ManaBadi’s DFW locations. The program spans from BalaBadi (pre-school, under age 6) through Telugu 1–4 (high school credit). ManaBadi has been operating for 17+ years with 100,000+ students learning Telugu across 250 locations in 35 states. Contact: 844-626-BADI (2234), manabadi.siliconandhra.org
Temple-Based Telugu Classes
DFW Hindu Temple Vidya Vikas (Irving) has offered Telugu classes since 1997, with three progressive levels covering the Telugu alphabet, Vemana poems, Guninthaalu, and Vottulu. Classes every Sunday 9:00 AM – 2:15 PM. Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple (Frisco) also offers Telugu classes, alongside Kuchipudi dance and Carnatic music instruction.
Telugu in Schools — The Numbers
The growth of Telugu in DFW schools is unprecedented. Frisco ISD (62,700 students, 77 languages) saw Telugu surpass Spanish as the #1 home language among emergent bilingual students in 2025. Coppell ISD reported Telugu at 20.8% vs Spanish at 21.7% in 2019 — near parity, likely surpassed since. Celina ISD also saw Telugu pass Spanish. Prosper ISD saw a 356% growth in emergent bilingual students since 2019, with Telugu among the top languages. In Frisco ISD, 40% of emergent bilingual students are in Pre-K through 1st grade — a strong signal that Telugu family arrivals are ongoing and accelerating.
Telugu Entertainment & Media
Tollywood in DFW
The Telugu film industry (Tollywood) is the second-largest film industry in India by number of films produced, and DFW gets every major release. Cinemark Frisco Square, AMC Stonebriar 24 (Frisco), and Cinemark Legacy (Plano) regularly screen Telugu films. Major releases get premiere-day screenings with multiple showtimes. Check eknazar.com for current Telugu showtimes in DFW.
Telugu Radio — 24/7
DFW is home to the first 24/7 Telugu radio station in the United States:
- Radio Surabhi — KDXX 107.9 HD-3, Lewisville. Launched May 2022. 20+ radio jockeys covering music, Telugu cinema, culture, history, and arts. Also available via app and streaming. radiosurabhi.com
- Radio Sangam — 104.1 FM. 24/7 Telugu music, talk shows, news, and community programs. Has a mobile app. telugusangam.net
- TANTEX Ganasudha — FunAsia 104.9 FM HD3, Sundays 5–6 PM. TANTEX’s own radio program.
- Weekend Vinodam — Radio Salaam Namaste, 104.9 FM, Sundays 9–11 AM.
Literary & Cultural Scene
TANTEX’s Sahitya Vedika literary wing hosts “Nela Nela Telugu Vennela” on the third Sunday of each month — a gathering where Telugu literary enthusiasts present interpretations of classics and budding writers share original work. NATS Dallas hosts cultural Vedukalu events, and Telugu concerts regularly bring Tollywood performers to DFW venues. Community events are listed on Sulekha and eknazar.com.
Data Sources
U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2022 5-Year Estimates) • Community organization websites and direct verification • Local school district enrollment data • Zillow and Apartments.com (rent estimates) • Glassdoor and BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (salary data) • Redfin (home price data). Community population estimates reflect available Census language data combined with organization-reported figures. Read our full research methodology →