Telangana Cultural Association (www.TelanganaCulture.org) and its cultural army have produced a historic treat of cultural festivity on 20th Sept 2009 at Ortega Park Sunnyvale, CA between 3 pm to 7 PM.
The event was unique from other Bathukamma Festivals being celebrated overseas as it was congregation of mixture of people irrespective of caste, creed, region and religion. Lot of Americans and Chinese were also seen participating in this event this year apart from Non-Telanganites like Andhra , Rayalaseema people who have performed festival in finest traditional dresses and nicest festive moods.
The program has begun with inaugural speech of Biksham Palabindela , president of TCA and who also felicitated Chief guest Mr Tony Spitaleri. He explained the objectives of TCA and also thanked everyone for participating in Bhatukamma workshops for the last few days where Kids and women taught Bhtukamma Prepaprations, songs and dances.
Vijay Chavva , Chairman of TCA explained importance of Bhatukamma Festival and how crucial it plays role in Telangana Culture the remote parts of rural Andhra Pradesh. He felicitated Mr Raju Reddy CEO of Sierra Atlantic who was present on the occasion as special guest.
While speaking on the occasion, the first citizen of valley’s chip city Sunny Vale Mr Tony Spitaleri declared that he was so fortunate to be the chief guest on this occasion for the second time in a row and expressed his willingness to take part in coming years also. He also promised that he will take home the shawl presented to him and wear it across his shoulder for his Nov 3rd oath taking ceremony if he comes back to power as Mayor in next month elections. It shows how much TCA has impressed him upon with Telangana Culture amidst loud clapping of people. People have attributed this to TCA’s success of spreading the culture really.
Sri Raju Reddy Chairman & CEO Sierra Atlantic, Inc said he is surprised to see such massive arrangements for Bathukamma Festival and said he is also part of this rich heritage and culture. He said though he missed this festival since last few years will not miss in future years. He remembered his child hood days in Nizamabad.
Once introductory sessions are over, the program began in historical and traditional way by lighting the lamps and performing Gouri Pooja by Renuka Chavva, Anitha Palbindela, Anuradha Alisetty and Gande Naga Jyothy.
After the pooja was completed , Bhasker Maddi and Smt.Uma took control of cultural programs and made children perform Telangana Kolatam , Kuchipudi, Bharata Natyam to Bhatukamma praying for peace and wellness to the world. The kids show was highlight of the event since their traditional dresses and conventional dancing remembered Bhatukamma Festival thousand pillar temple in Warangal. At around 5.45 PM women started gathering to play bhatukamma in multiple circles dancing in tune to the Bhatukamma songs.
Tirupataiah Gande and Naga Jyothy Gande who brought biggest Bhatukamma won the laurels.
Chakri and Mrityunjayudu have played Telangana Dappu in the park which filled the park with Dappu and Kolatam melodious noises.
Prasad gattu who is a core member of TCA brought in a team of Loksatta Volunteers who were seen helping the crowd to maintain decorum during the festival.
Among the prominenets who spoke on the occasion include Dilip Kondiparthy of Sillicon Andhra, Prasad Mangina President of BATA, Randhir Singh Regional VP of ATA. Suresh Reddy Vuyyuru , Mohan Mailampati of overseas national congress, Ram Thota of PRP have conveyed Bhatukamma greetings to the whole crowd.
At around 7 PM the Telangana style Dinner served which filled the park with Telangana flavours.
Arshad Hussain Vice president, Bhaskar Maddi (Tresurer),Saideesh Ajjan, Prasad Gattu,Ramesh Gubba, Raju Yasala,Subash Ravada,Prahalad Yalishetty,Mahipal Annam,Srinivas Gujju,Gandey Tirupathaiah,Lakshminarayana were people who have worked hard for last 4 months .
Buchanna Gajula Immediate Past president of TCA coordinated efforts from India.
Saideesh presented vote of Thanks at the end and started immersion of Bhatukammas.
Overall People have congratulated Telangana Cultural Association’s Cultural Brigade for spearheading the spreading of the Telangana Culture overseas with highest level discipline and commitment for preservance of centuries old culture in USA. Several have said this year TCA has kept up its promise again on the same lines by producing a great and true Mega Bhatukamma Festival in original style and in traditional way.
