Everlastingly glorious: TAMA Dasara – Bathukamma celebrations set a new trend

Dasara Veshalu (dress up) are familiar to those born in the 1970s, 80s or earlier. It is heartening to note that Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta – TAMA has introduced them like never before in America. Similarly, it is commendable that hundreds of women and girls participated in the second day of Atukula Bathukamma festival with devotion and enthusiasm. When and where do you think it happened. TAMA’s Dasara – Bathukamma celebrations were held at Desana middle school on Sunday, October 15 in a grandeur way, attended by over 1500 Atlantans. Reddix Lending Ramesh Bodhireddy is gold sponsor, Kakatiya Indian Kitchen Pradeep Aranpalli is silver sponsor, Stellar Financial Services Sahil Virani and SarKub Services Sridhar Potabathula are bronze sponsors of the event. Organizers distributed free kolatam sticks to all the attendees. Everyone appreciated the sumptuous dinner prepared by Kakatiya Indian Kitchen and also, the arrangements and decoration, which were top notch. This time also, youth volunteers worked with dedication. Honoring local and national organizations leaders on the dais and requesting them to address the gathering is a welcome sign. TAMA team is always at the forefront of taking our culture and traditions forward. This is TAMA’s 22nd event in 2023. Will & Trust Grand Mela, Discovery Flight (First Flight Flying), Chess, Diwali and many more are going to happen in the coming days. For details visit www.tama.org or email info@tama.org.

TAMA Cultural Secretary Tiru Chillapalli cordially welcomed everyone and started the program with Jyothi Prajwalana (lit the lamp), along with the TAMA team. President Sairam Karumanchi extended his Dasara Bathukamma greetings to all and elaborated on the various activities TAMA do. Board Chairman Subbarao Maddali explained about social programs, services and TAMA weekly free clinic. All the artists are locals in this program. Eminent Anchors Shravani Rachakulla and DJ Suji not only conducted the program brilliantly but also impressively explained the glory of Dasara Sharannavaratri and the uniqueness of Bathukamma. Chief guest John’s Creek City Council member Bob Erramilli greeted everyone and emphasized the importance of our festivals and the need to teach Telugu language to children. Renowned singers Venkat Chennubhotla, Ram Durvasula, Raga Vahini, KT Sravathi, Gowri Karumanchi, Durga Gora enthralled the audience with devotional, folk and duets. It’s been years since the Atlanta natives sang together. Artists entertained the audience with dances, songs and other versatile talents. Anchors and singers were duly honored by TAMA. Another highlight is, launch of the book ‘Spiritual Anatomy’, written by Heartfulness Meditation Yoga Master Sri. Kamlesh Patel.

In Bathukamma competitions. Prizes were given to the top 3 in Individual and group categories, gifts were given to all participants. Pandit Sri. Siva Nagakumar Dushi started the Bathukamma celebrations with goddess Puja. Women and girls dressed up to the occasion, prepared traditional Bathukammas with a variety of leaves and flowers, worshiped Gowramma and participated in Bathukamma celebrations. Artists Mahesh Koppu and Sanjeev drum play is special. Children were so beautiful and elegant in Dasara Veshalu (dress up). Each one of them dressed up uniquely in various forms like lord Vishnu, goddess Kalika Devi, Balatripurasundari and many more. Special prizes were given to the first three and gifts were given to all participants. All the sponsors were called on to the stage and felicitated grandly. Sairam spoke about their Businesses and requested the audience to support them. The sponsors shared their activities, their association with TAMA and congratulated everyone for supporting the event. Vice President Suresh Bandaru thanked all attendees, women, girls, sponsors, volunteers, youth volunteers and their coordinator Malini Akula, artists, decoration Madhavi Alladi, Jayanthi, DJ Beats & Events Venkat Chennubhotla, photography Prem, videography Raghu, drum artists Mahesh Koppu, Sanjeev, TAMA team, school management and concluded the grand event.