of India attended the program as special guest. Smt Katyayani Vidmahe (noted litterateur) who received the prestigious “Sahitya Academy Award” from Govt. Vijaya Aasuri, Sridevi Pasupuleti & Kiran Vinnakota choreographed the dances. The teachers from the Paatasala also performed “Kolattam” and it was very well received.
The vibrant & colorful costumes, the choreography and smiling participants thoroughly mesmerized the audience. It started off showcasing the grandeur & attires of Indian traditional outfits with over 100 participants. The kdis presented songs, poems, prayers, play & Folk dances. In Bay Area there are 6 locations with over 100 students. Next was “Maata Aata Paata” showcasing the kids from “Paatasala” (a recent initiative by Telugu Times and BATA to promote and teach Telugu language). The evening cultural program started with Kuchipudi Dance ballet by the students of Sunitha Pendekanti (Kuchipudi Dance Academy). The elders gave the blessings to the little one’s. The congregation of 100 kids & devotional songs by parents and grandparents made it seem like a big family gathering – “VasudhaikaKutumba”. Vijaya Aasuri (BATA Advisor ) officially kicked off the evening cultural program by inviting all the kids for “BhogiPallu” in front of the bommalakoluvu. The main cultural program started at 5:30pm. Sankar, Priya, Swapanthi, Pratima, Swaapnika, Rithika & Suchitra are some of the singers who participated in this segment. Some of the songs presented were: Jallantha Kavvintha, Neenani Neevani, Andamgaalena, Enno Janmala Bandham, Palike Gorinka, Ninnu Kori Varnam, Tolisari Mimmalini. Audience cheered every song and encouraged the singers. The songs were very popular numbers from Telugu movies, with a mix of old melodies and peppy new numbers. There were more than 20 singers (kids & adults). Sridevi, Pavithra & Sudha coordinated these competitions.Īlong with the cooking and Rangoli competitions, “BATA Karaoke Team” consisting of talented local singers presented super hit songs.
The finished Rangoli was a sight to see and brought nostalgic memories of colorful rangolis in the front yards of villages in India. All of the participants came in traditional outfits to show case their talent. Vijaya Aasuri and BATA President Kamesh Malla welcomed the Rangoli participants. In parallel, Rangoli competitions were kicked-off. Yaswanth and Sumanth coordinated the cooking competitions and Jayaram Komati (Swagat Indian Cuisine) and Prasad Vasireddy (peacock restaurants) led the judging team. Judges had challenging time to select the winners. The participants prepared variety of ‘yummy’ Sankranthi Special Ariselu, Bobbatlu, Payasam, Pulihora, Kaakara Kaya fry, pulao, Aloo Kurma, Bendi fry, Masala Vada, Mirchi Bajji, Jantikalu, Punugulu, Appachulu, Gaareku, Boorelu, Laduulu, Dhokla etc. Appetizers, Main dish & Desserts were the three categories. Super Chef & Supreme Chef showcased the cooking talents of men and women there were over 30 participants. The enthusiasm and excitement shown by the kids and the wide range of food they prepared from pasta, Quesadilla, aloo parata, macaroni cheese, Pizza, fruit custard, sandwich to payasam made it a very difficult decision for the judges. Over 20 kids demonstrated their cooking prowess with a wide variety of items. Kids got the ingredients from home and prepared a food item of their choice on the spot without any assistance from parents. The program started with cooking competitions for adults (Super Chef & Supreme Chef -Live Cooking) and kids (Little Chef) and also colorful Rangoli contest. The decorations coupled with the traditional outfits by the audience, participants & BATA volunteers reflected a festive atmosphere. The auditorium was decorated promoting ethnic and festival look of Sankranthi, and the main stage had multicolor backdrops and colorful kites.
SANTHAGUDIPADU JAYARAM PALLAKI TV
Media personnel from IND TV, TV Asia, Desi 1170AM, Virijallu radio, Telugu Times and others covered the event. Over 700 guests attended the glittering event which started at 3:30 pm and went until 10:30 pm with various activities and programs. To feature your NRI communty news in, please mail us at īay Area Telugu Association (BATA) celebrated Sankranthi festival in a grand style by hosting various activities such as Cooking and Rangoli competitions, “Paatala Pallaki” musical concert, “Nuvva Neena” on-stage game show, hilarious comedy skits (“Rade Cheli” and “Book Ai Poyaanu”), folk and film dances.