The iconic festival Bathukamma celebrated amid 3000 people in Charlotte, North Carolina

The iconic Telangana State festival, Bathukamma, is proudly celebrated by women during Dussehra Navaratri days. Since its inception, the Telangana American Telugu Association (TTA) has been organizing Bathukamma celebrations across the United States. Thousands of men, women, and children participated, demonstrating their affection, and contributing to the resounding success of the event.

With the blessing from TTA Founder Dr. Pailla Malla Reddy, support from TTA Advisory Chair Dr. Vijayapal Reddy, Co-Chair Dr. Mohan Reddy Patalolla, Member Bharat Madadi and under the leadership of TTA President Vamshi Reddy, President Elect Naveen Reddy Mallipeddi, TTA General Secretary and Nationwide Bathukamma Advisor Kavitha Reddy, coordinated Bathukamma celebrations across the USA in many states this year.

On October 6th, 2024, TTA hosted the largest Bathukamma festival in Charlotte, the home state of President Elect Naveen Reddy Mallipeddi. Approximately Three thousand Telugu people attended the event, expressing their affection for Telangana’s traditions, culture, and the Bathukamma festival. The C C Griffin Middle school concord charlotte was filled, with cars overflowing in parking.

The TTA Charlotte team, consisting of Media and Communication Director Nishanth Sirikonda, Board of Directors Srikanth Gali, Siva Karmuru, Abhilash Mudireddy, and Charlotte Regional Vice Presidents and meticulously planned and executed this year’s event at the C C Griffin Middle school concord charlotte. The immense crowd created a vibrant festival atmosphere at the venue.

Celebrations started at 12:30 pm in the afternoon with cultural programs. Women, Men and Children started pouring into the venue well dressed in Indian traditional clothing creating a colorful environment. Women along with Bathukamma’s were welcomed into venue with mesmerizing Dhol play. Over 100 Bathukamma’s were brought by women.

Priest from Shirdi Sai Temple of Charlotte, North Carolina, performed religious puja to Gouri Devi to give the event an auspicious start. Puja was performed by Naveen Reddy Mallipeddi and his wife Smt. Prunitha and all BODs, RVPs, Core team members. Popular Play Back Folk Singer, Bikshu Naik with her folk songs energized the audience and women started performing Bathukamma dance.

Swetha and Priyanka, masters of the ceremony for the event, did an excellent job running the event smoothly. Women and children performing Bathukamma steps, going around in circles, with energizing voice by singers, encouragement from audience captivated the moments. Local Telugu Organization leaders and representatives from various national organizations (CTA, GTA) were also present for the occasion.

Prime Realtor Narendra Devarapalli sponsored prizes for the best Bathukamma. The winners were awarded an Apple Watch Series 9 and a second prize from Vanga the Boutique. Bathukamma’s were immersed in water marking the closure of the program with the appealing Dhol music. Immersion arrangements were made under the leadership of Pramod Kumar Chiluka and Sai Eswar Gogikar.

The Charlotte TTA team gifted beautiful sarees to the first 50 Bathukamma. This program was very well organized by Sirisha, Kavitha, and Deepthi. TTA Charlotte Core Team and Youth Team with the support of many volunteers made these celebrations an astounding success. There were many clothing and jewelry stalls arranged at the event to attract attendees, just in time for upcoming festivals Dussehra and Diwali.

TTA Leadership Team from Charlotte: President Elect Naveen Reddy Mallipeddi, and Media & Communications Director Nishanth Sirikonda.
TTA Board of Directors from Charlotte: Srikanth Gali, Siva Karmuru, and Abhilash Mudireddy.

Telangana American Telugu Association (TTA) Charlotte Bathukamma Organizers: Pramod Kumar Chiluka, Sai Eswar Gogikar, Deepthi Miryala, Swetha Gundapaneni, Nikhitha Julakanti, Shirisha Chinthakuntla, Kavitha Gundeti, and Pallavi.

TTA Charlotte Core Team: Narendra Devarapalli, Arun Kothur, Ankush Veerreddy, Bharath Jella, Praveen Reddy, Dillip Syasani, Aahladd Kareddy, Venkat Jammula, Ramesh Chinthakuntla, Mahesh Gundeti, Laxmikanth, Rajeev Devulapally, Varun, Praful Musku, and Harish Reddy.

TTA Charlotte Team sincerely thank all the volunteers, sponsors, donors, and women who skillfully made beautiful Bathukamma’s and media who covered the event.