Farmington, MI (USA): The vibrant traditions of Telangana filled the atmosphere in Michigan as the Global Telangana Association (GTA) Detroit Chapter held its third Bathukamma and Dasara celebration at the Studio Center recently.
Over 1,500 members of the Telugu community gathered, marking a record attendance, to enjoy a lively display of cultural heritage.
The venue was a colorful spectacle with women and girls dressed in elegant silk sarees and langa vodnis. The highlight was the beautiful Bathukamma flower arrangements, brought as offerings to Goddess Gowri and Mother Nature.
Suvarna Nagireddy, visiting her son’s family in Michigan from Hyderabad, expressed delight in joining the festivities far from home. She praised the Global Telangana Association for preserving cultural traditions in America, noting the festive atmosphere matched that of India.
The event began with a spiritual Shami pooja led by priest Vara Prasad Sharma, who explained the importance of the Dasara festival to attendees.
Prominent leaders from various Indian communities attended, showing unity within the diaspora.
Key figures like Praveen Kesireddy, Krishna Prasad Jaligama, Mahesh Venukadasula, Mallikarjun Padukone, Santosh Kakulavaram, Kamal Pinnapureddy, Venkat Vadnala, and others were present. They honored sponsors and volunteers with plaques and awarded prizes for the ‘Best Bathukamma’ contest.
The event concluded with an energetic Daandiya night, where the community celebrated together, dancing to mark the victory of good over evil.
A team of over 50 volunteers, including Ashok Veludandi, Badrinarayan, Navadeep Vempati, Bhaskar Siriki, Gopalam Eluri, and others, ensured the event ran smoothly.
