Cultural

Culture & community under one roof of Greater Atlanta Telangana Society; A milestone 20th anniversary & Telangana Cultural Day

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17 minutes ago

June 26, 2025

Atlanta, Georgia: The Greater Atlanta Telangana Society (GATeS) marked a major milestone in its journey with a grand celebration of success that brought together culture, community, and tradition under one vibrant roof. On Saturday, May 31, over 2,500 members of the Telangana and broader Indian-American community gathered at Phase Events in Alpharetta, GA, to commemorate Telangana Cultural Day alongside the 20th anniversary of GATeS—a truly memorable and joyous occasion.

From the moment attendees arrived, the energy in the venue was electric. The space was transformed into a vivid representation of a Telangana village fair, complete with traditional decorations, regional color schemes, and a festive atmosphere that transported attendees straight to the heart of Telangana. It was more than just an event—it was a heartfelt homage to Telangana’s spirit and heritage, presented with authenticity, pride, and unity.

A Stage Overflowing with Cultural Pride

The cultural program was the heart of the celebration, featuring a meticulously curated lineup of traditional dance forms, devotional music, classical acts, and vibrant folk performances that captured the essence of Telangana’s diverse artistic landscape. Each performance was a testament to the talent and dedication of local artists, youth groups, and community organizations, who spent months preparing to present Telangana’s story through art.

A special highlight of the evening was the Bonalu-themed segment, a powerful tribute to one of Telangana’s most iconic festivals. Women dressed in colorful traditional attire carried Bonam pots on their heads, dancing to the rhythm of traditional dappu in a symbolic expression of devotion and feminine strength. The audience responded with thunderous applause, visibly moved by the authenticity and spiritual energy of the tribute.

Other segments included performances that showcased the classical renditions of devotional songs that stirred nostalgia and pride in the hearts of attendees. The event wasn’t merely entertainment—it was a rich cultural immersion that educated, inspired, and emotionally connected people across generations.

Marketplace with a Purpose

Beyond the stage, the venue hosted a bustling vendor stalls area where vendors offered a wide array of themed products. Handicrafts, ethnic clothing, jewelry, art, and home-cooked snacks created an immersive cultural shopping experience. Local entrepreneurs and community vendors were given a platform to showcase their products and services, allowing attendees to both support small businesses and take home a piece of the celebration. This marketplace also served as an interactive space for families and children, with storytelling booths, photo stations featuring Telangana backdrops, and ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.

A Culinary Journey to Telangana

No cultural celebration is complete without food—and this event offered a lavish spread of authentic Telangana cuisine. From the Jathara restaurant, the meal served was a festival in itself. Prepared by expert chefs and local culinary volunteers, the food offered a true taste of home and provided a delightful end to a day filled with joy, nostalgia, and community bonding.

Celebrating 20 Years of GATeS – A Legacy of Unity and Service

The 2025 celebration also marked a deeply meaningful milestone: the 20th anniversary of the Greater Atlanta Telangana Society. GATeS has grown into one of the most prominent cultural organizations in Atlanta, GA. Through cultural events, educational initiatives, social service, and community outreach, GATeS has played a pivotal role in preserving Telangana heritage and empowering the Telugu community in Georgia and beyond.

During a special commemorative segment, founding members and past presidents were recognized for their vision and contributions. Speeches highlighted the organization’s journey over the last two decades—from humble beginnings to large-scale events like this one that draw thousands of people each year. Video montages and testimonials from community members reflected on how GATeS has impacted their lives, from helping new immigrants feel at home to offering a stage for youth to explore and express their cultural identity.

A Celebration of Culture, Connection, and Continuity

The Telangana Cultural Day and GATeS 20th Anniversary celebration was more than just a single-day event—it was a testament to the strength, resilience, and unity of the Telangana community in the U.S. It brought generations together under one roof: elders reminiscing about their roots, adults reconnecting with their heritage, and youth experiencing tradition in vibrant, contemporary ways.

The success of the event was made possible by dedicated volunteers, community leaders, performers, sponsors, and supporters who worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality. Their combined efforts ensured that every aspect—from logistics and hospitality to decor and program coordination—was executed with excellence and warmth.

As GATeS steps into its third decade, it carries forward a proud legacy of cultural preservation, community service, and inclusive celebration. The event concluded not only with satisfied smiles and full hearts but also with a renewed sense of purpose—to continue bridging generations through heritage, strengthening community bonds, and nurturing cultural pride in the years to come.

A Devotional Tribute to Our Beloved Cultural Gurus and Pillars of Tradition

The Telangana Formation Day, Cultural Day, and the 20th Anniversary Celebrations of the Greater Atlanta Telangana Society (GATeS) were nothing short of a divine celebration of our heritage. The entire event was a colorful and soul-enriching experience, filled with the vibrant spirit of Telangana and the deep-rooted essence of Indian tradition. This grand success was made possible only because of the tireless efforts, love, and dedication of our esteemed Gurus—the cultural mentors who stand as the pillars of our community.

Every performance that graced the stage, whether by the youngest child or the most experienced adult, was a reflection of months of hard work, discipline, and passion. Behind each graceful movement, every note of music, and each display of tradition, stood the unseen strength of a teacher—guiding, encouraging, and nurturing the talents of our children. These Gurus are not just teachers; they are true cultural warriors, devoted to preserving and passing on our invaluable heritage to the next generation.

Through your unwavering commitment, you have kept alive the language, the art forms, and the very spirit of Telangana. In a land far from our motherland, your role becomes even more sacred. You have given our children the gift of identity, pride, and belonging—something that textbooks cannot teach and only living tradition can offer. To all the parents who supported their children in this journey, and to the entire community of academies who participated—your collective devotion has turned this event into a celebration that will be remembered for years to come.

To the wonderful children and participants of all ages—your energy, your dedication, and your love for our culture brought joy to every heart and tears to many eyes. You were not just performers—you were the heartbeat of Telangana on that stage. With folded hands and deep respect, we thank each and every Guru, academy, parent, and participant. Your contributions are a blessing to our community, and your legacy will live on through the very culture you so lovingly uphold.

The celebration was a vibrant expression of identity, community, and shared heritage. From mesmerizing classical and folk performances to spirited musical acts, the event showcased the extraordinary talents of numerous local dance academies and cultural institutions, including Garima Dance Academy, Sri Dutt Raga Dance Academy, GAVT – Vedic Sanskriti School, Sruti Guntupalli – Saivi Arts (Kids Group), Brindhaavan School of Music, Suprita Dance Academy, Sri Kuchipudi Nrityalaya, Kalaivani Dance Academy, Natyam Arts Academy, Nritya Kalika Dance Academy (by Heyma Sindhu), Nrithya Samarpanam School of Dance, Nataraja Natyanjali Kuchipudi Dance Academy, Shiv Dance Academy, House of Culture Georgia, Supr Women Dance Studio, Dazzling Kids, and the electrifying Parai Dappu performance by Dinesh.

Each performance reflected the passion, discipline, and commitment to preserving our roots and sharing them with the next generation. Thank You Jyothsna Palakurthy garu for coordinating with dance academies. “The audience was absolutely thrilled by the electrifying performance of the IRA band, featuring the sensational playback singer Manisha Eerabathini. The stage lit up with incredible energy as Sristi Chilla, Madhuri, and Sai Tarang delivered mesmerizing vocal performances, each adding their own magic to the musical night.

Adding to the excitement, the ever-entertaining Adhire Abhi hosted the event with his signature wit and humor, keeping the audience laughing and engaged throughout. With a perfect blend of soulful music, energetic beats, comedy, and nonstop entertainment, the evening turned into an unforgettable celebration that had everyone on their feet and smiling from ear to ear!” We extend our thanks to Adhire Abhi and Jyothsna for being the dynamic emcees of our event. Your energy and seamless coordination kept the audience engaged and the event flowing beautifully — thank you for your talent and enthusiasm!

We were honored to welcome an esteemed lineup of special guests whose presence elevated the significance of the evening: Padma Shri awardee Vittalacharya Garu, Shri Srinivas Goud—former Telangana minister and a respected leader of the Telangana statehood movement, Shri Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan—Consul General of India in Atlanta, Mayor John Bradberry, House Representatives Todd Jones and Carter Barrett, Police Chief Mark Mitchell, City Council Members Bob Eramalli and Dilip Tuniki, and Officer Joe Perkins. Their recognition of GATeS work and their encouragement to the community meant a great deal.

This incredible celebration would not have been possible without the dedication of our countless volunteers, event coordinators, and cultural leads. We offer our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, media partners (Sakshi TV, TV5, TV9, NRI2NRI.COM), and especially Jathara Indian Restaurant for delivering authentic Telangana flavors to all. Special thanks to Madhavi garu for the stunning Bonalu and photo booth decorations and to Future Production Systems for outstanding technical and audio support.

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the GATeS advisory team, current and past leadership teams, current executive committee, board of directors, chairs and cocharis, youth committee, and to every single individual who has contributed to the growth of this organization over the last two decades. Your commitment has been the backbone of GATeS journey.

Last but not least, we thank all the Indian-American organizations, regional associations, community leaders, and friends of GATeS who joined us in celebration and showed their unwavering support. Together, we continue to build a stronger, united Telugu community in Georgia—preserving our cultural legacy and inspiring the next generation.

Event Volunteers: 2025 EC & BoD Team, Dinesh Dunthula, Rajib Mukharjee, Rajesh Chilkamarri, Sanjeev Ekkaluri, Suresh Bezawada, Sadhana Gandra, Neha Kushnapalli, Goldy, Ravinder Dasarapu, Ganesh Valluri, Swami, Nanda Chatla, Sandeep Gundla, Kishan Tallapally, Sunil Gotoor, Hari Krishna, Aneesh Gosangari, Amsh Gaddamanugu, Sohan Gandra, Sathvik Koppu, Advaith Gandra, Reyansh Vujjini, Ashwika Gandra, Krithik Nakka, Srinivas Parsa Vardhan Devata, Yashas Gandra.

Cultural Team: Jyothsna Palakurthy, Naveen Battini, Event Full Day Cultural Volunteers – Ganesh Valluri, Swamy, Sadhana Gandra, Aneesh Gosangari, Amsh Gaddamanugu, Bonalu Team: Geetha Naranngari, Harika Battini, Priyanka Batti, Spandana Althati, Swati Sattor, Neelima Sattor, Shailaja Kushnapalli, Kanaka.

Dappu Team: Anil Kushnapalli, Sanjeev Ekkaluri, Suresh Bezawada.

This incredible success would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication, teamwork, and tireless efforts of the GATeS Team 2025. Each board member played a vital role in bringing our vision to life, and we are truly grateful for the passion and commitment you brought to every detail.

GATeS Team 2025: President: Naveen Battini, Board Chairman: Naveen Vujjini, Vice President: Ramana Gandra, General Secretary: Kirthidhar Goud Chekilla, Treasurer: Raghuveer Reddy, Cultural Secretary: Jyothsna Palakurthy, Technology Secretary: Ramakrishna Gandra, Media Secretary: Anil Kushnapalli, Event Secretary: Geetha Narannagari, Sports Secretary: Sharath Gandra. Board of Directors: Vijay Vinjamara, Chandrashekar Althati, Madhukar Reddy, Hemanth Palla, Ranjith Kodati.

GATeS Advisor Team: Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, Dr. Satish Cheeti, Prabhakar Boyapalli, Goutham Goli, Karunakar Asireddy, Kiran Pasham, Dr. Venkat Veeraneni, Srijan Joginipally, Sreedhar Nelavelli, Ratnakar Elugunti, Nanda Chatla, Narender Reddy, Sridhar Julapelly, Anil Bodireddy, Thirumal Pitta.

GATeS Past Leadership: Late G.S. Reddy Garu (Founder), Ratnakar Elugunti, Srijan Joginipally, S.Prabhakar Reddy, Dr. Venkat Veeraneni, Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, Mahesh Nilagiri, Narender Reddy, Prashanthi Asireddy, Dr. Satish Cheeti, Nanda Chatla, Sreedhar Nelavelli, Thirumal Pitta, Anil Bodireddy, Rahull Chikyala, Anitha Nellutla, Kishan Tallapally, Chittari Pabba, Sunil Gotoor, Prabhakar Madhupathi, Janardhan Pannela, Srinivas Parsa, Sandeep Reddy Gundla, Chalapathi Vennamaneni.