Minnesota Area Telangana Association (MATA) and Telangana Development Forum (TDF) is jointly celebrated 2012 Bathukamma and Dussehra celebrations a mega event in Minneapolis on October 27th, 2012 at Olson Middle school in Bloomington with a huge crowd of 700 people on the auspicious festival day.
Both the Non Profit organizations are striving to preserve the culture of Telangana and educate the younger generation to become more aware of their traditional roots.
The festivities include singing and dancing around Bathukamma (floral decorations of Goddess Gowri), traditional Jammi pooja and exchange of Jammi leaves by men, women and children alike and great food.
The MATA and TDF Minnesota Chapter, which successfully organized community gatherings in Twin cities in the recent past.
Women were very enthusiastic in bringing their decorated colorful Bathukamma’s and played for long time till they were tired. At the end, the Bathukamma’s were immersed in water with traditional prayers.
Visiting parents and elders also participated in the celebrations and were delighted at the way the festival is celebrated in a land so far from the motherland. Families from all regions of Andhra Pradesh participated in the celebrations and had nice time.
Tasteful Food was provided by Surabhi of Bloomington. Women have participated enthusiastically in the singing. Year after year, Bathukamma festival has become ‘The’ favorite cultural event of Telugu families in general and Telangana families in particular here in USA. For some, it is first time experience in their life and for others it is memorable homely experience living away from their near and dear.
Bathukamma festival in US not only brings back memories, but also inculcates and retains our native culture among the younger generation born and/or brought up here, especially girls.
Bathukamma celebrations have not only brought Telangana culture to the forefront in US, but inspiring the people back home in urban centers of Telangana including Hyderabad.
Bathukamma festival is the only festival of its kind in India that is considered as complete women’s celebration. This event would not have been successful without the tireless efforts from organizers Ramesh Ravva, Mahi, Ravi Sagi, Niranjan, Sanjeev Kodimala, Venu Miryala, Venky Miryala, Giri Mekala, Mahender Reddy, Sudhakar Japa, and our TDF guest Laxman Anugu and many others.
Organizers also thank all the families and visiting elders for coming to the event, making it memorable by participating fully as if it is their own.
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