TTA New Jersey Chapter’s Bonalu festival celebrations captured the spirit of Telangana

The Telangana American Telugu Association (TTA) New Jersey Chapter successfully hosted a vibrant community celebration in honor of the Bonalu festival, attracting over 1,000 enthusiastic attendees. Under the guidance of AC Co-Chair Dr. Mohan Reddy Patalolla garu and the dedicated leadership of Shiva Reddy Kolla (General Secretary), Narsimha Peruka (International Vice President), Sudhaker Uppala (Newsletter Director) and Arun Arkala (Board of Director), the event was executed with great enthusiasm and cultural pride.

TTA was honored by the presence of TTA President Naveen Reddy Mallipeddi garu, whose energy and passion added to the success of the event. We extend our heartfelt thanks to him for his enthusiastic participation and leadership throughout the celebration.

This year’s Bonalu festivities truly captured the spirit of Telangana. The rhythmic beats of the Dappu drums and the spirited dance of Potharaju transported the crowd straight to the heart of Hyderabad. A major highlight was the electrifying performance by Srinivas Dandepally from Hyderabad, who portrayed Potharaju with unmatched energy and captivated the audience.

TTA expresses our sincere gratitude to several distinguished community leaders from New Jersey, including Mahendar Reddy Musuku, Sridhar Chillara, Prudhvi Reddy, Malla Reddy Alumalla, Vish Kalavala, Raghu Sharma Sankaramanchi, Madhu Anna, Vilas Jambula, Bhagwan Reddy, Rajendar Dichpally and many others for their support and presence.

Special thanks to Dr. Mohan Reddy Patalolla garu and Shailaja Patalolla garu for their unwavering support. A special note of appreciation goes to Narendar Yarava for leading the event planning efforts, along with the entire core team whose tireless work behind the scenes ensured the success of this grand celebration. A heartfelt note of appreciation to Deepa Jalagam garu for her exceptional work in decorating the venue so beautifully.

TTA extends gratitude to our dedicated TTA New Jersey Core Team: Shiva Reddy Kolla, Narsimha Peruka, Sudhaker Uppala, Arun Reddy Arkala, RVPs: Raja Neelam, Sairam Gajula, Prashanth Nalubandu, Narendar Reddy Yarava, Deepa Jalagam, Shankar Reddy Vulupala, Srini Maly, Naveen Kouluru, Srinivas Jakkireddy, Raghuveer P, Ramana, Ramakrishna Alavakonda, Sai Gundur, Rajendra, Hasika Arkala and many more whose efforts were instrumental.

A heartfelt appreciation to the exceptional women’s team, whose efforts elevated the event: Shailaja Patalolla garu, Deepa Jalagam, Navya Reddy, Shailaja Uppala, Vani Peruka, Kavitha Yarava, Haritha Arkala, Jyotsna Nalubandhu, Sravanthi Avalur, Kalyani and many others. The beautiful decorations and preparation of Bonalu offerings brought authenticity and warmth to the celebration.

The event was enriched with traditional Bonalu décor, active family participation, the energetic presence of Potharaju and vibrant shopping stalls featuring vendors such as New York Life and Authentic Athreyapuram Putharekulu from Nihi Foods.

Telangana American Telugu Association (TTA) extends sincere thanks to the Sri Guruvaayoorappan Temple Management and Trustees, especially Mahendar Reddy Musuku, Srinivas Todupunoori, Anna Reddy, Ramakrishna and Srinivas for their invaluable support and cooperation in making this event seamless and successful.

TTA (Telangana American Telugu Association) expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Grand Sponsor, Dr. Mohan Reddy Patalolla garu and our event sponsors: Mahendar Reddy Musuku garu, Navya Reddy (Nihi Foods) and the TTA New Jersey leadership for their generous contributions.

TTA also thanks our vendors Ekta Parekh (New York Life), Sunshine Collections Jewelry and Swetha Arepalli (Anjani Designers LLC) for their participation. Finally, a big thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this event memorable. TTA wishes you all a very Happy Bonalu.