A large group of Telanganites residing in San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California, USA celebrated Bathukamma festivities on 20th October 2012 at Warm Springs Community Center in Fremont City. Many men, women, elders and children in traditional attire gathered in a park setting to celebrate Bathukamma.
Women were very enthusiastic in bringing their decorated colorful Bathukamma’s and played for long time. 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 their motherland.
Tasteful lunch was provided by the sponsors Chaat Paradise of Fremont City. Sports contests were conducted for boys and girls of various age groups and prizes were awarded. Games were conducted for elder parents, who participated enthusiastically.
Prizes for best four Bathukamma’s and Men’s/Women’s games were sponsored by Shree Jewelers of Sunnyvale, Nitin Jewellers of Sunnyvale, Alpa Gold of Sunnyvale, YouSmile Dental, Kenneth Lee, Loan officer, Naushaba Rahman, Loan Officer and Safari Kids of San Ramon.
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 is spreading so fast and wide in US that, even few families are coming together to celebrate in smaller cities also. 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 Anjaiah Yamsani, Rajender Kommidi, Prasad Aluru, Purushothama Aluri, Ranga Chigullapally, Alwal Putta, Som Kancharla, Vijender Gillella, Naveen Morumganti including many women volunteers Pratima Putta, Swapna Kancharla, Vineesha Gillella, Aliveni Chigullapally, Shravani Yamsani, Shravanthi Aluru, Shylaja Aluri, Shilpa Morumganti, Rajini Kommidi and many others.
Organizers thank the day volunteers Gangadhar Andru, Sattaiah Vanam, Rajsekhar Kancharla, Sheshu Doggala, Sai Shankuri, Giri Bikki, Ranjit and many others for helping and making the event memorable. 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.