DATA Bathukamma & Dasara Celebrations in Dallas
A big thank you for attending DATA Bathukamma & Dasara Panduga @ Southfork Ranch on Saturday, 8th October. DATA will continue to count on your unwavering support and commitment to work together in bringing the desired "togetherness" in the community.
The day was perfect with light breeze from the plains which enhanced the mood of the attendees; the event started at 4:00 PM with popular Bathukamma songs such as "Bathukamma Bathukamma Vuyyalo ... Bangaru Bathukamma Vuyyalo ..."
The participants were welcomed and greeted by the reception committee and a giant 21 feet Bathukamma, up on their arrival. Bathukamma Chair, Sandhya Gavva, started the program by inviting women and explained the uniqueness of Oorura Bathukamma organized by DATA this year from September 30th thru October 7th in 8 different suburbs of Dallas area. By 6:00 pm there were approximately 300 Bathukammas, and different groups were formed to accommodate 700+ women play Bathukamma. The entire evening was filled with festive fervor and divine atmosphere. Attendees were extremely happy and thanked DATA for giving extra time to play. Live band music by "Aditya Group" was an added attraction during the procession enroute to Nimajjanam (immersion) in the close by pond. Top 10 BEST Bathukammas were awarded Sarees made in Telangana. A Special attraction of the event was a 21ft Bathukamma prepared by DATA decorations chair, Neelohita Kotha and her team.
Later in the evening Bhaskar Arroju announced the Dasara pooja and encouraged everyone to participate and the entire area reverberated with "Jai Mata ki", "Duga Mata Ki Jai". As the children danced to Nava Durga, the Ravan Dahan took place to symbolize the triumph of good over evil.
The spiritual side of the program came to a close when DATA cultural chair Padmasree introduced artists Dinker, Sumangali, Vamshipriya, and Mittapally Surender to perform. The artists entertained and enthralled the audience with popular songs. Theater style seating, concert level lighting, and stereophonic sound allowed everyone to have a one of a kind experience. Over 130 kids performed in front of ~3200 people under the thunderous applause.
Mittapally Surender, Telangana State Award Winner wrote a special song for DATA organization, Dinker, Vamshipriya and Surender sang, it was a surprise, introduced by Kiran Gontuka - DATA Secretary, of unmeasurable standards.
Master of Ceremonies, Vamsi Priya invited DATA president Ram Kasarla to say few words about the event, organization and the committees involved in organizing. Speaking on the occasion Ram said, he is honored to be the president of DATA and thrilled to introduce "Oorura Bathukamma" in 9 cities around DFW - he thanked everyone who helped to make it happen. The communities embraced DATA's idea of celebrating Bathukamma as it is in Telangana - celebrating 9 days, the right way. He also thanked all organizations who supported the Oorura Bathukamma. He then introduced the Event Convener and President Elect, Mahendar Ganapuram.
Mahendar thanked Ram and said, he is honored to be the convener of the event, and introduced co-conveners Kiran Gontuka, Sandhya Gavva, Raghu Maripeddi, Praveen Ekkati, Prasanna Dongur, Ram Komanduri, and Mahesh Adibhatla followed by the introduction of DATA BOTs, EC Team, Office Bearers and DATA Core Team. Mahendar said all of them are responsible for making the event successful.
Mahendar called all organizations IANT, TANTEX, ATA, NATA, TATA, Telangana Jagruthi, TANA, NATS, ATA-Telangana, TEA, ATA and thanked for their support. TANTEX President Subbu Jonnalagadda, thanked DATA for making TANTEX as part Oorura Bathukamma in Frisco. American Telangana Association President Rammohan Konda and his team thanked DATA for celebrating Oorura Bathukamma in Flower Mound.
Guests Sridhar Chillara TV5 and MANA TV CEO, applauded DATA efforts to celebrate the festivals in such a grand scale and said, he will continue to support DATA. Shabnam Modgil Sr VP FunAsia thanked DATA for making FunAsia part of the celebrations.
Food vendors offered authentic Telangana food and festival foods at a reasonable price.
The event culminated with the signature fireworks in the open arena
The mega event would not have been possible and successful without the support and generosity of donors and sponsors. DATA would like to express profound gratitude and sincere appreciation to Executive Platinum, Platinum, Diamond, Gold, and Silver sponsors and everyone who worked hard for the event. DATA felicitated artists Dinker, Sumangali, Surender, and Vamshipriya with an event memento.
DATA thanks all the media houses - TV5, ManaTV, FunAsia, YuvaMedia, TV9, V6, T-News, DP TV, 6TV, YoYo TV, Tags – Gautham, and internet partners.
Ram Kasarla – President
Mahendar Ganapuram – Convener / President Elect
Co-Conveners
DATA Team