TAMA – HTA Telugu Ashtavadhanam: A revitalizing Memorabilia for many Atlantans

TAMA (Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta) and HTA (Hindu Temple of Atlanta) have conducted Brahmashree Vaddiparthi Padmakar gari Ashtavadhanam on April 16, 2023 at HTA Premises. Avadhanam is an unique literary performance originated and primarily cultivated among Telugu people. Ashtavadhanam was held for the first time in the Atlanta region after Covid, attended by a record 240 people. Program started around 11 am, with lighting holy fire, prayer songs and speeches by eminent people. Not only literatos, but everyone enjoyed the  performance, which covered topics such as Samasyaa Pooranam, Dattapadi, Varnanam, Nishiddhakshari, Nyastakshari, Aasuvu, Purana Pathanam and Aprasthutha prasangam. Sumptuous and delicious lunch is served to all the participants. Many useful programs are being done by TAMA in the fields of culture, tradition, literature, language, healthcare, education, knowledge and entertainment. Also, involvement of Youth is increasing day by day, with TAMA’s youth initiatives. People, sponsors and volunteers are the main pillars of TAMA. With their help and support, TAMA team will be doing more unique & special programs in future too. For details visit www.TAMA.org or email info@TAMA.org.

TAMA President Sairam Karumanchi and HTA President Aravind Goli briefed about their organizations and welcomed everyone. Atlanta resident and prominent Avadhani Shri. Nemani Somayajulu was the Sanchalakulu, who presided over the Avadhanam. Sapthakhanda Avadhana Sarvabhauma Padmakar Garu was given the problem, “Bhaktin Golvanu Venkateshuni Dapurinchunu Bapamul”. He solved it without yathi bhangam or artha bhangam. When asked to tell a poem on birthday celebrations by using unpleasant words, Avadhani garu recited a beautiful and meaningful poem. He also presented lord Rama’s state of mind in an excellent manner, while awaiting to reach Lanka.

Telugu film song “Natu Natu” won an Oscar award in 2023. Avadhani garu mesmerized the audience, when asked to explain Telugu language glory in this song context. Using the 15th letter “Shi” in the first padam, 9th letter “Va” in the second padam, 2nd letter “Pa” in the third padam, and the 10th letter “Dam” in the fourth padam, Guruvu garu effortlessly completed padyam in Utpalamala style, to explain the glory of Shivapada Mahima. Also, in the three Avruthalu, for the 3 Aasuvulu, poems were told swiftly, which made the audience spellbound. Even in Purana Pathanam, excellent explanations to the verses were given in three rounds, proving his knowledge on Puranas by reciting the long verses written by yesteryears great poets. In the middle, he gave funny and entertaining answers to the prank questions asked by the Aprasthutha Pasangi and made the audience laugh. In this way, the entire program was completed in a lively and enjoyable manner, got many accolades from the attendees.

Avadhani garu, Sanchalakulu and Pruchakulu were respectfully honored with mementos, bouquets and shawls by TAMA and HTA. At the time of Bhojanalu, many were recollecting their memories of Indian functions and were saying this is as good as back home. They also want more such programs, which is a testimony to the magnitude of the event. Finally, TAMA literary secretary Krishna Inapakuthika concluded the programme by thanking the onlookers, sponsors, volunteers, HTA team and TAMA team for making the event a grand gala success.

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