Cumming (Atlanta), Georgia: Atlanta Bathukamma and Dasara sambaralu, 2019: The triumph of spirit.
Religious fervor and gaiety marked the annual Bathukamma-Dasara Sambaralu, organized by the Telangana Development Forum (TDF), Atlanta Chapter, at South Forsyth Middle School, here on Saturday, October 5, 2019.
Hundreds of Telangana women living in Metropolitan Atlanta area showed their true colors early this Fall! Droves of young and middle-aged women, decked up traditionally, arrived at the venue with their flamboyant flower stacks that embodied Goddess Maha Gowri, who is revered as life-giver and symbolizes the woman-hood going by Telangana folklore.
The decibel levels were high and the spirit was awesome at the venue as the ladies danced around the flower mounds to devotional bathukamma songs till they dropped. It was a pleasant sight to see girls as young as 5 years-old joining their mothers and sisters in their ode to the Mother Nature!
The eight-hour event clearly surpassed the attendance of any Bathukamma event in preceding years in Atlanta as over 1800 people of Telangana origin living in the Greater Atlanta area thronged the venue.
Event started with sumptuous meal, followed by cultural programs consisting classical dance, songs and dance medleys, thanks to the good work behind the scenes by choreographers. Apart from the entertainment from local talent, MC by Swapna Katta; the audience were entertained by local artists Srinivas Durgham along with other singers.
In this year, We introduced On-site Bathukamma preparation by Grandmother-Granddaughter duo, with a purpose of passing on our age old traditions and customs to future generations. This initiative was well received by Atlanta community and participated in good numbers.
Shami Pooja was performed to mark the ensuing Dasara festival, following which all the attendees exchanged respectful greetings. Participants played kolatam during the event with lot of energy and enthusiasm.
TDF jury acknowledged the nimble hands behind the floral forms of Goddess Gowri and women were awarded many prizes for exhibiting flair in their creations of Bhathukammas. There were games conducted at the end of the event and prizes were distributed.
Speaking on the occasion, the TDF Atlanta team stressed the importance of the Bathukamma festival, the role of TDF in the Telangana movement, the developmental and charity activities TDF is organizing back home in Telangana.
Organizing team duly appreciated their help in conducting the event.
Event was sponsored by various corporations and individual donors who were deeply thanked for their contributions.
Raghu Valasani covered the event with his photography and videography. Durgam provided the sound system for the event.
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We wish everyone a very Happy Vijaya Dashami !!!
Press release by: IndianClicks, LLC