TDF celebrates Bathukamma in Bay Area, CA

Fremont, California ' October 21st, 2012 ' TDF Bay area chapter celebrated auspicious 'Bathukamma' festival in a unique way at Lake Elizabeth Park in Fremont, California on Oct 21st, 2012. The participants gathered from various parts of Bay area to reinvent cultural identity of this unique festival of Telangana.

The guests brought several colorful Bathukammas and park was filled with people in traditional attire and decorated Kolas while singing melodious "Bathukamma" songs in the background.

The event started with raffles for children and quizzes on Telangana history, geography, literature and natural resources which had a tremendous response from the participants. The prizes were given away for answering correctly.

Women in colorful silk 'Sarees' and traditional Indian dresses played Bathukamma before and after lunch, forming a huge circle. They were extremely enthusiastic, enjoyed singing and dancing around beautiful Bathukammas. 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 prizes were awarded for best Bathukammas. Gauramma Puja was performed by elders while younger generation was paying attention and learning the traditions. Bathukammas were immersed by singing traditional 'Bathukamma immersion" song.

The guest speaker, Dr. Podduturi Yella Reddy, well known scholar in Telugu literature and retired Principle from Govt. College in Mahaboob Nagar explained the importance of Bathukamma and entertained with poems and folk songs.

The raffles to the kids announced from time to time and over two dozen 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, running, spoon and marble for women and children. Women enjoyed very much participating in spoon & marble game and as well as musical chairs. It was very exciting for all of them and multiple prizes were awarded to winners at the end of each game.

The men had their share of fun and Volleyball game. 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 volunteers and generous sponsorship from "Dosa Place" and "Shree Jewelers".