TDF celebrates Bathukamma in the Bay Area, CA

The event started with a quiz on Telangana history, geography and literature which had a tremendous response from the participants. The winners were awarded gift certificates from Shree Jewelers. Kalyani, Vani and Sreedevi talked about the origin of Bathukamma and its importance to Telangana following the quiz. The volunteers followed with kolatam show and this got little girls very interested and joined the kolatam dancers. At this point, volunteers started inviting participants to sing Bathukamma songs, while everyone started playing Bathukamma, the young and the old participated enthusiastically singing their favorite Bathukamma songs. Women in colorful silk “Sarees” and traditional Indian dresses played Bathukamma before and after lunch, forming a huge circle. The size of the circle surprised the park visitors and participants as well. They were extremely enthusiastic, enjoyed singing and dancing around beautiful Bathukammas for more than a couple of hours. It was a rare experience for most of the women and ladies living away from home country. It was a first time experience for some. The elders visiting from Telangana really appreciated the gaiety of the event surpassing the festivities in Telangana region. It was fascinating for non-Telanganites including visitors of the park to see women in traditional attire singing and dancing around colorful Bathukammas. Gauramma Puja was performed by elders while younger generation was paying attention and learning the traditions. Bathukammas were immersed by singing traditional “Bathukamm immersion” song.

The quizzes on Telangana were very popular among the crowd and several quizzes were announced through out the program. It was a main vehicle of knowledge on Telangana for younger generation and as well as re-instatement of facts for others.

Silver deities of Godess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and silver Ganesha in glass frame specially brought from India were given as prizes along with Shree Jewelers gift certificates. The combinations of these prizes were given for three of the best Bathukammas and three of the best Bathukamma singers. This was followed by a raffle to all the kids and about 20 prizes were given away. Children were very excited to receive prizes and lived in the moment.

Various games were conducted before and after women completed “Bathukamma immersion”. The games included musical chairs and running for kids of different age groups, spoon and marble for women, volleyball for men, etc. Women enjoyed very much participating in spoon & marble game and as well as musical chairs and men enjoyed playing volleyball. It was very exciting for all of them and multiple prizes were awarded to winners at the end of each game.

Finally, men started playing “Kabaddi”. The players were overwhelmed and excited to the extent that one of the players was injured and we concluded the celebrations for the day with this traditional sport.

This event would not have been so successful without the generous sponsorship from our Bay area restaurants; “Peacock” and “Dosa Place”. The food was delicious and highly appreciated by everyone. Thanks to Shree Jewelers for sponsoring the event with gift certificates.

Telangana Development Forum consistently thrives to restore and expand Telangana culture among our communities around the world. This event would not have been successful without countless hours spent on planning and execution by a cohesive, dedicated and hard working TDF-USA Bay area chapter volunteer team comprising of: Arun Kadari, Basavaraju Vuppala, Jagan Bearelly, Madhu Salvaji, Mahendra Gudur, Murali Dugyala, Rajesh Vattipelli, Satish Chada, Sridhar Rudrashetty, Srikar Devakonda, Venkat Kondapally and Yugendhar Polasani. Thanks to Mrs. Anusha Polsani, Aparna Alleswaram, Kalyani Gade, Renuka Bokka, Shailaja Bearelly, Sheresha Polsani, Shirisha Kondapally, Sreedevi Jalagam, Suhasini Tatipalli, Tara Kundurs, Usha Lingampalli and Vani Vavilala for the coordination of activities at the event.

Here are the photos.

2010-10-18 TDF-Bathukamma-Oct16th-2010-pictures

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