Telugu Association of Greater Chicago & American Telangana Society celebrated Bathukamma in grand scale

On October 10th 2021, the first Telugu association in North America, Telugu Association of Greater Chicago (TAGC) celebrated Bathukamma & Dussehra festival in grand scale with the Co-host and support of American Telangana Society (ATS). Celebration included Bathukamma, Jammi Pooja, Dussehra celebrations with more than 600 guests at Panchavati, SVS Balaji Temple Aurora, IL. About 100 women from Bathukamma team wore matching Kanchi pattu sarees and brought color and uniqueness to set a record. This initiative was done to support impoverished weavers in South India and help them financially.

TAGC Bathukamma chair Archana Podduturi and President Venkat Gunuganti welcomed all the guests with a brief introduction about the significance of the festival. Delicious vegetarian lunch was offered to all the guests coordinated by Food Chair Vijay Beeram. TAGC raised funds to support Vaidehi Seva Samithi orphanage for destitute girls and women coordinated by Co-chairs Ramya and Rajitha. More than 100 Women had donated funds and participated in this good cause.

Well renowned folk singer Niharika renditioned beautiful songs which further energized the passion of women playing Bathukamma. One of the highlighted programs is a special Kolatam by 60 plus ladies in a coordinated fashion. After Bathukamma immersion, all the families participated in Shammi/Jammi puja conducted by Balaji temple priest Sri Hanumantha Prasad garu on the occasion of Dusshera.

ATS Leadership team along with long time sponsors Ashok Lakshmanan PMSI, Krishna Rangaraju NY Life, presented the gifts to Bathukamma competition winners and Raffle winners. Celebrations were a grand success with the support of BOD’s and long time volunteers. Culture and traditions were followed in every aspect of these celebrations.