TAS Ugadi Sambaralu 2025: A Joyous Telugu New Year Celebration Rooted in Culture and Community

The Telugu Association of Scotland (TAS) on 5th April 2025 hosted its annual Ugadi Sambaralu event, marking a vibrant celebration of Telugu culture, tradition, and togetherness. The event stood as a joyful welcome to the Sri Viswavasu Naama Telugu Samvatsaram and once again brought the community together under one roof in a spirited display of cultural pride and unity.

This year’s celebrations took place at Dalkeith School Community in Midlothian, drawing hundreds of Telugu families and individuals from across Scotland. The central venue created a warm and inviting space, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the festivities. With over 100 performers and hours of nonstop entertainment, the event reflected the growing enthusiasm and collective strength of the Telugu diaspora in the region.

Dignitaries including Chief Guests Consul General of India officer Shri Azad Singh and MSP Shri Foysol Choudhury graced the occasion, adding grandeur and underscoring the importance of celebrating Ugadi in a culturally rich city.

The day commenced with the traditional Jyothi Prajwalana by members of the TAS Current and Ex Executive Committee, accompanied by the soulful rendition of “Ma Telugu Thalliki”, setting an auspicious and emotional tone for the celebration. Cultural Secretary Shri Pandari Jain Kumar Polisetty welcomed the audience with warm Ugadi greetings and showed appreciation for the performers, volunteers, guests, and sponsors who made the day possible.
The cultural program was a captivating mosaic of performances that showcased the artistic and creative spirit of the Telugu community. Children and adults alike participated in solo and group dances, Telugu skits, classical pieces, and vibrant cinematic choreographies. A highlight of the cultural lineup was a Telugu skit on Paramanandhayya by the Manabadi children, showcasing not only language learning but also cultural depth and storytelling, which deeply impressed the chief guests. Vocal and instrumental segments, humorous scenes, and a variety of musical and dance forms highlighted the community’s diverse talents, with each act receiving enthusiastic support from the audience.

Anchors Kumari Deepika Reddy and Smt Arifa Ali Sheikh led the event with humour, warmth, and charisma, keeping the day flowing smoothly and the audience entertained.

During the proceedings, Chairperson Shri Siva Chimpiri, President Shri Uday Kumar Kuchadi, and Honorary Chairperson Smt. Mythili Kemburi honoured the chief guests, along with members of other Indian organizations—such as SIAF, Edinburgh Diwali, 3 Good Deeds, SAMRAT, and Indian Arts Connection—who graced the event with their presence. Their attendance was warmly acknowledged as a testament to the spirit of unity and inter-community collaboration that made the celebration truly special. A special mention was given to the recent Dunfermline Women’s Day celebrations and the Livingston Cycle event, both of which were successfully managed by Women’s & Projects Secretary, Smt. Madhavilatha Danduri, in coordination with both chairpersons and our EC. Graduation certificates were presented to 3 Telugu learning children from Siliconandhra ‘Manabadi’ program on the TAS Stage.

The Ugadi Sambaralu 2025 also saw enthusiastic participation from the wider Indian community in Scotland. Guests from various cultural and regional associations joined the event, strengthening bonds between communities and reinforcing the inclusive nature of TAS’s celebrations. The spirit of collaboration was evident not only in attendance but also in behind-the-scenes support and encouragement.

Main sponsors Brighter Mortgages and co-sponsor/gift sponsor Spice Supermarket played an instrumental role in supporting the event. Event partners Aruna’s Kitchen, Nature’s Organic WW, DJ Sachin, and Venkat Polina Photography also contributed to the event’s success. A delicious traditional lunch was served during the intermission, giving attendees an opportunity to mingle, relax, and enjoy authentic Telugu flavours. Lucky draw raffles were conducted throughout the program, adding fun surprises and keeping the audience engaged.

Treasurer Shri Parri Vijay Kumar Raju and Joint Secretary Shri Niranjan Nooka assisted with logistics during the event and wittily managed the raffle program to present the gifts to the audience, bringing humour and excitement to the proceedings.

IT Secretary Shri Zakir Shaik and Public Relations Secretary Shri Naresh Deekonda managed the technical and media aspects of the event, providing consistent publicity and sharing instant moments from the celebration across TAS’s social media channels, allowing the wider community to experience the festivities in real time.

Chairperson Shri Siva Chimpiri and President Shri Uday Kumar Kuchadi addressed the audience, expressing their appreciation for the community’s continued trust and enthusiasm. General Secretary Shri Venkatesh Gaddam delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks on behalf of the Executive Committee, acknowledging the performers, volunteers, cultural team, food and logistics coordinators, sponsors, and all those who contributed to the celebration.

As the event concluded with the national anthem Jana Gana Mana and an energetic DJ session that saw the entire crowd on their feet, Telugu attendees departed with hearts full of joy, pride, and cherished memories.

The TAS Ugadi Sambaralu 2025 was more than just a celebration — it was a heartfelt tribute to Telugu heritage, a reaffirmation of community spirit, and a symbol of hope and harmony for the years to come. With growing participation and cultural vibrancy, TAS continues to thrive as a beacon for Telugu identity in Scotland.

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