Bathukamma, the iconic floral festival of Telangana, was celebrated with extraordinary grandeur and devotion by the Telangana American Telugu Association (TTA) at the Royal Albert Palace’s Grand Banquet Hall in Fords, NJ. The vibrant event brought together over 3,000 attendees, transforming New Jersey into a colorful reflection of Telangana’s cultural spirit.
Bathukamma, cherished by women across Telangana, has been celebrated annually by TTA since its formation, growing into one of the largest cultural gatherings for the Telugu diaspora in the United States.
With blessings from TTA Founder Dr. Pailla Malla Reddy, and under the leadership of Dr. Vijayapal Reddy (Advisory Chair), Dr. Mohan Reddy Patalolla (Advisory Co-Chair), Bharath Reddy Madadi (AC – Member), Naveen Malipeddi (President), Vamshi Reddy Kancharakuntla (Past President), and the guidance of Shiva Reddy Kolla (General Secretary), Bathukamma celebrations were conducted on a grand scale across the USA this year.
A Spectacular Celebration in New Jersey
The New Jersey event, hosted in the home state of Advisory Council Co-Chair Dr. Mohan Patalolla, stood out for its scale, devotion, and meticulous organization. Led by Shiva Reddy Kolla (Secretary – TTA), Narsimha Peruka (International Vice President), Sudhaker Uppala (Director – Newsletter), Arun Arkala (BOD), Narendar Yarava (Standing Committee Chair), and Smt. Deepa Jalagam (Women’s Team Lead), the celebration overcame heavy rains as thousands of women, men, and children arrived in traditional attire, filling the hall with the colors and energy of Telangana.
TTA NJ RVPs Prashanth Nalubandhu and Raja Neelam, along with the dedicated NJ Core Team Srinivas Reddy Malya, Shankar Reddy Vulupala, Naveen Koluru, Srinivas Jakkireddy and numerous volunteers, worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success.
Highlights of the Day
– The festivities began at 11 AM with the unveiling of a 15-foot Grand Bathukamma, the centerpiece of the celebration.
– The SDP Priest performed Gouri Puja with the TTA Core Team, marking an auspicious start.
– Young talent Sri Pravarthini opened the cultural program with a soulful rendition of Ammavari song.
– Tarika & Tanvika (Tara Arts Academy) delivered a mesmerizing dance performance depicting the Bathukamma theme.
– MC Deepthi Yayavaram engaged and encouraged women to perform traditional Bathukamma steps.
– Over 100 beautifully crafted Bathukammas were brought by women from across New Jersey, showcasing devotion and artistic beauty.
– The sight of thousands of women and children dancing around the Bathukammas created a divine atmosphere that words can barely capture.
Community Leaders and Dignitaries
Leaders from several Telugu organizations — TFAS, TANA, ATA, NATS, MATA — attended the event, expressing solidarity and appreciation. Local dignitaries including Sridhar Chillara (CEO – ManaTV & TV5 USA), Damu Gedala (Community Leader), and Bhaskar Bhupathi (Past President – Vasavi Society) congratulated TTA for organizing an exceptional celebration. Dr. Mohan Patalolla and Sudhaker Uppala introduced the dignitaries to the audience.
Awards, Sponsors & Immersion Ceremony
– Joyalukas sponsored prizes for the best Bathukammas.
– Sunshine Collections and Sai Creation sponsored Best Dressed Women awards.
– Sri Ganesha Flowers sponsored flowers for Bathukamma.
– Vibrant Style Decors decorated the venue beautifully.
– Leaders and dignitaries presented mementoes to sponsors, donors, and artists.
– The Bathukammas were immersed in water under the supervision of Narendar Yarava, marking the traditional conclusion of the festival.
– Guests were served delicious food during the event.
The 15-foot Bathukamma, assembled by the NJ Core Team, remained the star attraction. Narsimha Peruka coordinated with Laxman in India to get this giant Bathukamma created and shipped to US. Youth volunteers assisted in setting up stalls, and hundreds of women enjoyed shopping for clothing and jewelry from local vendors.
TTA extends heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, donors, and volunteers whose support made this celebration possible. Special appreciation goes to Joyalukas, ANG Infotech, Nihi Foods, Rao Network, Vani (Vibrant Style Decors), Srinivas G (DJ Jaggus), and Anand Chikine (Photographer) for their invaluable contributions.
TTA NJ Team:
– Advisory Committee – Co-chair: Mohan Reddy Patlolla
– General Secretary: Shiva Reddy Kolla
– International Vice President: Narsimha Peruka
– Director – News Letter: Sudhaker Uppala
– Board of Director: Arun Arkala
– Standing Committee – Chair: Narendar Yarava
– Regional Vice President: Prashanth Nalubandhu
– Regional Vice President: Raja Neelam
– Women’s Team Lead: Smt Deepa Jalagam
– Standing Committee – Co-Chair: Shankar Reddy Vulupala
– Standing Committee – Co-Chair: Srinivas Reddy Maly
– Standing Committee – Co-Chair: Naveen Kouluru
– Organizing Team: Sai Gundur, Naveen Yalamandala, Srinivas Jakkireddy, Venky Neela, Raghuveer P, Siva Nara, Balaganesh, Praneeth Nallapati, Anil Kumar Reddy & Sairam Gajula.
TTA NJ Women’s Team: Deepa Jalagam, Shailaja Patalolla, Navya Reddy, Shailaja Uppala, Vani Peruka, Kavitha Yarava, Haritha Arkala, Archana Gundur, Shravani Gattu, Lalitha Reddy Mulay, Jyothi Kolla, Saritha Singireddy, Saritha Kuppireddy, Jyothsna Nalubandhu, Shilpa Neelam, Sravanthi Alvakonda, Suneetha Torlapati, Shailu Gangula, Manju Chenchu & Roja Venkat.
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