iNDICA News Bureau
The Bay Area Telugu Association (BATA) celebrated its annual flagship event, Ugadi Mahotsavam, with a daylong event held April 3, at the India Community Center, Milpitas, California.
Over 3,000 guests attended the event began at 10 am with a youth talent show that included dance as well as classical singing and folk and film music, and continued till 11 pm with an array of cultural programs. More than 250 kids participated in the singing and dancing competitions.
Among the highlights was a food festival and clothing and jewelry mela. There was a festive atmosphere at the India Community Center as people were glad to attend a community event in person after a long time. The day was rounded off with a live concert by popular singer Manisha Eerabahtini who performed a mix of old hits from the 1960s and 1970s as well as latest chartbusters.
The event drew substantial support from the business community. It was presented by Sanjay Tax Pro and powered by realtor Nagaraj Anniah. Other sponsors were Srini Goli (real estate), Apex Consulting, PNG Jewelers, Rite Care and Sagar Kotha (realtor). Virijallu Radio & Bolly 92.3 FM were the media partners.
The decorations at the venue captured the spirit of Ugadi, the Telugu new year. The entry was packed with vendor tables with a variety of traditional Indian jewelry and clothing as well as services by the sponsors. Ugadi pachadi, a special offering that reminds people to be prepared to experience all types of flavors in life, was served to all guests.
The main cultural program began at 5 pm with a classical dance ballet by the Nrithyamanasa Performing Arts Center. Next came showcase performances by over 100 kids to retro dance hits like Kurraloi Kurrallu, Joru ga Husharuga and Kerintha as well as latest hits like Kavvintha, Yuvatharangam and Naatu Naatu, the last being a number from SS Rajamouli’s latest blockbuster hit RRR (2022).
Comedy skit Jaathi Ratnalu, a hilarious take on how families coped with various issues during the Covid pandemic, was a laugh riot.
This is the 50th year for BATA, a milestone. On the occasion, a logo was unveiled and an audiovisual clip launched by Dr TV Nagendra Prasad, India’s consul general in San Francisco. The BATA team plans to organize another grand event in the summer.
Other dignitaries who attended the event in Milpitas were Fremont City Mayor Lily Mei, Milpitas Mayor Rich Tran, Milpitas Police Captain Frank Morales, California Assemblymember Alex Lee and Santa Clara Supervisor Cindy Chavez.
The Paatasala team was recognized on the occasion. Paatasala is an initiative by TANA and BATA to promote and teach the Telugu language. Students performed skits. TANA Secretary Sateesh Vemuri and regional representative Ram Thota attended.
BATA president Harinath Chikoti thanked the audience and the participants for making the event a success and applauded the volunteers and the BATA team for their support. The BATA executive committee, which includes vice-president Kondal Rao Komaragiri, Arun Janga, Varun Mukka and Siva Kada, thanked and recognized the sponsors on stage for their support.
BATA’s advisory board of Jayaram Komati, Vijaya Aasuri, Veeru Vuppala, Prasad Mangina, Karun Veligeti, Ramesh Konda and Kalyan Kattamuri congratulated the team for making the program a success.
