CHICAGO: Tri-State Telugu Association (TTA), a non-profit organization, hosted its grand 30th anniversary celebrations at Samarathi auditorium in Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Lemont, a south side suburb of Chicago, on Saturday Nov 16.
The spirit of Telugu culture was brought forth in vibrant colors with an all day cultural program with more than 320 Chicagoland performers participating in the event. Consul General of India Dr Ausuf Sayeed was the Chief Guest with TANA President Dr Mohan Nannapaneni as the Guest of Honor for this event.
Amazing performance by the local talent with a spectrum of flavors ranging from classical to semi-classical music and dances, sloka recitals, theme based productions, fusion fashion show, folk and contemporary presentations by professional artists kept the crowds mesmerized the entire duration.
The first session of the cultural show started at 1pm with a beautiful rendition of opening prayer on Lord Ganesha followed by Sanskrit sloka recital “Annapoornashtakam.” Presentations by kids for thematic songs, and dances and classical dances for Annamacharya compositions in the classical dance forms were received very well by the audience. The spirit of the festival was well captured by several movie and folk dances too.
“Telugu Padyalu” presentation by students of Manamdari Badi, was executed very neatly. Ashta Lakshmi Stotram depicting a group of eight secondary manifestations of Lakshmi were very well choreographed and executed.
Marking the spirit of Children’s day, patriotic themed Orchestra was executed with perfection. “Fusion Show – Jewel’ed Melodies” depicting the spirit of cultural diversity, was another grand event of the evening.
“Shastipoorthi theme” depicting the essence of 60 years of life was a grand event of the evening with participation from kids, youth, adults and senior citizens that gave immense pleasure to the audience. Classical presentation “Ganesha Panchartnam” by students of Nrithyanjali School of Dance and Contemporary Kuchipudi presentation “Elements” by students of Aananda Dance Theater, “Thillana” in Bharatanatyam dance style by students of Bharatam Academy were executed with grace and poise.
In the traditional folk dance presentation ‘Jada Kolatam’, the dancers wound the ropes while beautifully plaiting, moved in different geometrical patterns to complete the braid. They changed places while tapping the sticks for rhythm. Synergy – a Kathak, Bharatanatyam Jugalbandhi presentation by Chithra and Gurmeet and “Jaya Janardhana Krishna” choreographed by Apuroopa Tipparaju, depicting the spirit of Deepavali, were executed with ease.
The second half of the day’s festivities commenced with the traditional Lighting of the Lamp Ceremony by Consul General of India Dr Ausuf Sayeed.
Dr Ramaraja Yalavarthy, trustee of Sri Balaji Temple, who compeered the second segment of the cultural show, welcomed the guests.
Guest of honor Dr Mohan Nannapaneni, President of TANA, was introduced by TANA Vice president Dr Jampala Chowdary. After a brief presentation about the 30 year history of the organization Dr Ramaraju introduced the Anniversary special attraction of the evening “Melodious Moments”.
The live show was presented by Sunitha Upadrashta, one of the best playback singers in South Indian film industry. Sunitha’s team included playback singers Sri Krishna, Sai Shilpa, Sai Charan, comedians Rakesh and Trinadh (Jabardasth Fame), and talented musicians providing live orchestra support. The sold out show with jam packed audience at Rathi auditorium was thoroughly entertaining.
The event ended with the rendition of Indian National Anthem.
Madhu Patel
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