The Telangana People’s Association of Dallas (TPAD) organized Dussehra Bathukamma celebrations at the Credit Union Center in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday evening.
The event, which was expected to be a colorful and festive gathering of the Telugu community, turned chaotic as hundreds of attendees were left waiting outside the venue for hours.
According to reports, a large crowd gathered at the venue much earlier than the scheduled program time.
Many attendees who claimed to have valid tickets said they were denied entry into the building without any clear explanation from the organizers.
As the situation escalated, the TPAD organizers reportedly came out and requested those without tickets to leave the premises, insisting that only those with valid passes would be allowed inside.
However, several attendees questioned this directive, pointing out that the event had been publicly advertised as a “free entry” celebration. This confusion led to frustration and arguments outside the venue.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as disorganized and distressing, with families — including young children, elderly participants, and women carrying Bathukammas (flower arrangements) — waiting outside in the dark for over three to five hours.
One attendee described the situation as “a major disaster,” saying, “We were told it was a free event open to everyone, but after waiting for hours with kids and elders, they said only ticket holders can go in. It was poorly managed and very disappointing.”
Concerns were also raised about security arrangements, as the swelling crowd outside the venue led to discomfort and anxiety among attendees.
Several community members have called for better planning and communication from the organization for future events to prevent such chaos.
Despite the mismanagement, videos and visuals from the venue show the cultural fervor inside the hall, where those who managed to enter enjoyed the traditional Bathukamma festivities, music, and dance performances.
As of now, TPAD officials have not issued an official apology or clarification regarding the entry confusion, though sources indicate that internal discussions are underway to address public concerns.
The incident has sparked widespread debate among the Telugu diaspora in Dallas, with many emphasizing that community events should prioritize safety, transparency, and inclusivity — especially during festive occasions meant to bring people together.
