ATA @ Aurora, Illinois: Bathukamma Festival Celebrated with Unmatched Enthusiasm

Aurora, Illinois: The American Telugu Association (ATA) proudly hosted the biggest Bathukamma celebration in the Midwest at the Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple, Aurora, Illinois, with an overwhelming crowd of more than 600 attendees. The event was a huge success.

Marking one of the most vibrant cultural gatherings for the Telugu community in the Chicagoland area. The event commenced with a traditional pooja, invoking blessings for peace and prosperity. Following this, the audience was treated to graceful Kuchipudi dance performances, which highlighted the depth and beauty of Telugu culture.

The atmosphere then came alive with the non-stop Bathukamma aata, as women adorned in colorful traditional sarees joyfully sang and danced around exquisitely decorated Bathukammas. Adding to the festive spirit were rounds of kolatam, which brought rhythm, energy, and togetherness to the celebration.

The event was not just a festival but a true community gathering — a moment where Chicagoland felt like Telangana, uniting families, friends, and well-wishers in celebration of tradition and heritage. The event was very well coordinated by women coordinators Sireesha Veerapaneni, Suchitra Reddy, Saina Narvade, and Sarika Reddyshetti, whose dedication and efforts ensured a smooth and joyous celebration. 

They were strongly supported by local ATA Trustees Sainath Reddy Boyapalli (ATA Secretary), Board of Trustees Ven Reddy, and RV Reddy, along with Regional Coordinators Raj Addagatla and Purushotham Reddy with blessings from Hanumanth Reddy, KK Reddy, Satya Kandimalla and Karunakar Madavaram.

Additional support came from Standing Committee members Narsimha Chittaluri, Melody Mahesh Kumar, Laxman Reddyshetti, Narendra Reddy Vajrala, Varun Kancharla, Veeranna Panjala, Amar Nettam, and Janikiram Reddy, who worked tirelessly to make the program a grand success.

The celebration also witnessed BOT  Maheedhar Muskula and Committee Members – Mahipal Reddy Vancha, and Venkat Thudi. ATA Secretary Sainath Boyapalli, ATA BOTs Ven Reddy, and RV Reddy extended heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, volunteers, and Chicago community leaders for their strong support in making the Bathukamma 2025 celebration such a resounding success.

The event was made even more memorable by hostess Relare Singer Shalini. With vibrant traditions, strong participation, and overwhelming community spirit, Bathukamma 2025 has set a new milestone for Telugu cultural celebrations in the Midwest.