GTA @ Atlanta: Telangana community came together to celebrate Mega Bathukamma with over 6000 attendees

Atlanta, Georgia: The Atlanta Telangana community came together in spectacular fashion to celebrate Mega Bathukamma 2025, marking the third consecutive year of this grand tradition. With over 6000 attendees, the event was a vibrant showcase of Telangana’s cultural pride, bringing together families, leaders, and dignitaries in an unforgettable evening.

A Floral Marvel and Sacred Rituals

The centerpiece of the evening was a breathtaking 16-foot Bathukamma, built and decorated over several days by the Bathukamma Making Team and safely transported to the venue by volunteers. Women and girls circled the floral tower with devotion, singing and dancing in harmony.

Adding spiritual depth, a Jammi Pooja was performed by the priest, joined by EC & core families, and guests, blessing the celebration with reverence. More than 100 Bathukammas were brought by the community, each uniquely crafted and presented with devotion. Competitions recognized the best in Individual, Group, Creative, and Teen categories, celebrating artistry and cultural pride across generations.

Music, Dance, and Celebration

The beats of the Dappulu (drum band) energized the crowd, drawing children, parents, and elders into spontaneous circles of dance. On stage, the Cultural Programs Team kept the audience captivated with folk dances, devotional songs, and modern Telangana-inspired performances. The Songs & DJ Team ensured the festive spirit never slowed, blending traditional Bathukamma songs with energetic beats.

The evening was hosted with charm and energy by Lavanya Guduru and GTA Thatha – Prasad Kasinadhuni, whose emceeing kept the audience engaged and the program flowing seamlessly.

Teams Behind the Success

The success of Mega Bathukamma 2025 was the result of countless hours of teamwork and dedication. At the front lines, the Registration Team welcomed thousands of families with patience and warmth, while the Bathukamma Receiving Team carefully guided participants as they brought in their beautifully decorated floral arrangements. The Cultural Programs Team and the Songs & DJ Coordination Team kept the stage alive with music, dance, and rhythm, while the Bathukamma Judging Team took on the tough task of selecting winners from so many stunning creations.

Guests enjoyed authentic Telangana flavors prepared by the Food Committee, and the majestic 16-foot Bathukamma was brought to life thanks to the Bathukamma Making Team and the Transportation Team, who dedicated days to its design, decoration, and safe arrival at the venue. The sacred conclusion of the evening was led by the Nimajjanam Team, who ensured the immersion was carried out with grace and reverence. Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Vendor Management Team created a colorful marketplace, while the Chief Guests Felicitation Team made sure dignitaries were honored with warmth and care.

Backing all of this were more than 75 enthusiastic volunteers, along with the strong EC and Core teams, whose hard work, coordination, and passion ensured the event ran smoothly from start to finish. Together, these teams transformed months of preparation into a seamless and unforgettable evening.

Leaders Stand With the Community

The grandeur of Bathukamma 2025 was matched by the presence of distinguished chief guests, underscoring the festival’s cultural significance in Georgia. Among those in attendance were Ramesh Babu, Consul General of India in Atlanta; Georgia State Senators Shawn Still and Sheikh Rahman; Georgia State Representatives Michelle Au and Carter Barrett;

Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman and Commissioner Todd Levent; Jesus Rubio, representing U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock’s office; along with Dilip Tunki, Mayor Pro Tem of Johns Creek, and Bob Erramilli, Johns Creek City Council Member. The guest invitation and felicitation was coordinated by Dr. Nandini Sunkireddy.

Messages of Unity and Commitment

GTA Global President-Elect Bapureddy made a heartfelt appeal to local leaders for help in securing larger venues such as school gyms, noting the challenges faced this year. Responding positively, Mayor Pro Tem Dilip Tunki pledged Johns Creek’s support for future gatherings.

Atlanta Chapter President Aravind Katta expressed gratitude to the EC and Core Teams, volunteers, and sponsors, while reminding the community of their responsibility to both Janmabhoomi (land of birth) and Karma Bhoomi (land of deeds). He encouraged civic participation and representation, closing with heartfelt thanks: “This event is proof of what we can achieve together.”

Sponsors Who Made It Possible

The grandeur of Mega Bathukamma was supported by Event Sponsors Biriyani Pot, Peach Clinic, and Xadel IT, along with generous supporting sponsors including Orpine, Splash BI, Rapid IT, TopSys, Tanishq, Smile and Shine Dental, Aspire Medical Group, Alladi Law, Lambdatest, GVR Realty, Shekar Putta Realty, Everest Technologies, Chandras Realty, Synovatic, Bhoomi Realty, Shekar’s Realty, Dream Realty, Blockbuster & Mirchi, TrioSoft, Hc2 Robotics, and Up2Date.

About GTA The Global Telangana Association (GTA) is a volunteer-driven non-profit dedicated to celebrating Telangana’s rich cultural traditions while uniting the diaspora. GTA’s signature programs include Bathukamma and Palle Vanta, creating platforms for families to connect, for youth to lead, and for culture to thrive.

With more than 50 chapters across the USA and a footprint in 43 countries worldwide, GTA is committed not only to celebrations, but also to service — empowering communities, supporting development initiatives, and ensuring Telangana’s spirit flourishes for generations to come.

Organizing Team: BAPU R KETHIREDDY, RAJENDAR JANUMPALLY, SWAPNA KASWA, DR NANDINI SUNKIREDDY, ARAVIND KATTA, SANTHOSH GADDAM, CHANDRA SUBBAGARI, SANTHOSH REDDIMALLI, RAMAKANTH ANNADI, APARNA PINGLE, KARUNAKAR KESIREDDY, KASHYAP RAO THANGEDA, ARUN DARPALLY, RAMYA KAMARAJUGADDA, PALLAVI SHIVA, ROHITH CHEPYALA, SRINIVAS DURGAM, ABHINAY GATLA, ANANTH JOSHI, SHILPA SRAPU, ROHITH MANDALA, NARENDRA REDDY NALLA, RAMYA HARIKA PUTCHA, PRANEETH KUMAR MADAS, SANKETH DIVVEDA, DAMODAR GAJELLI, VENKAT NARESH MALLURI, MALLIKARJUN DEPETA, BINDIYA RAMESH, SRINIVAS BURRA, RAMBABU KARNATI, BALA NARAYANA M, NIRANJAN PODDUTURI, VIKRAM REDDY ALLALA, MALLIK KATTA, SHIVA RUDRA, PRASAD KASHINATHUNI, KALYAN YERRANAGU, HARISH YENUMULAPALLI, HARISH BADDAM, HARSHA GORLA, JITENDAR REDDY GOVINOLLA, GOURI SHANKAR VUDUDALA, MANOHAR REDDY SARASANI, SHEKAR REDDY PUTTA, SHIVA RAMADUGU, SRINI LOKASANI, SATISH, SHIVA REDDY, ANAND GUNDU, PRASHANTHI OGETY, RAJESH, SREEMAN, SRILATHA VENIGALA, HARI