CHICAGO: The Tri State Telugu Association (TTA), Chicago, organized the 2015 Ugadi & Sreeramanavami celebration on April 11 at Sama Rathi Auditorium at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC), Lemont, a southwest suburb of Chicago, was a grand success with members and guests packing the hall to its capacity.
It was a medley of various styles of Indian classical and modern art forms performed by local talented children and adults alike. The cultural show started with the offering of “Prayers” to Lord Sri Rama and a welcome address by Mrs Pranathi Kaligotla along with the introduction of emcee – Ms Padma Sonti. Students of Mrs Soumya Kumaran danced in classical style to “Achutam Keesavam” elegantly. Ms Poonam Mahesh’s group danced to “Annamacharya Krithi” with great poise followed by Ms Soumya Kumaran’s second group performing dance on “Garuda Gamana Rara” which was appreciated widely. Next was a solo rendition of “Thyagaraja Keerthana” while Yenugula and Geethika Velaga sang the famous “Chinni Chinni Aasa” song that sent the audience down the memory lane.
“Rajaveena School of Music” students presented a mellifluous rendition of “Sri Ramadasu Keertanalu”. This was followed by a live music rendition for a classical dance by Guru Mrs Sangeetha Rangala as her students performed beautifully. Students of Mrs Vanitha Veeravalli captivated the audience with their performance of “Maragadha Manimaya.”
The Potluri brothers danced to “Cheliaya Cheliya” choreographed by Ms Sushmita Kilaru. This was followed by two adorable boys Harshith Venigalla and Vivek Yandamuri dressed as “Lava” & “Kusa” (Sri Rama’s two sons) and paid homage to yesteryears favorite “Devude Mechindi movie song choreographed by Mrs Anusha Venigalla. Guru Mrs Poonam Mahesh’s disciples performed a classical dance to Annamacharya Krithi in praise of Lord Sri Rama. A group of young kids ‘Tollywood Talukulu’ danced to an exciting medley of Telugu movie songs
Following this was another dance on Telugu movie songs. Mrs Soumya Kumaran’s students enthralled the audience with their performance of classical dance to “Thodaya Mangalam” followed by “Thillana” presentation by students of Mrs Sushmita Arunkumar.
Guests were treated to a scrumptious traditional Ugadi feast complete with Ugadi Pachadi – a unique mix of “Shadruchulu” (6 different tastes – sweet, salty, sour, bitter, spicy & tangy) – catered by “Cool Mirchi” restaurant of Schaumburg,
The evening session commenced with invocation of Lord Ganesh with a semi-classical vocal performance of “Eka Danthalaya”. Ms Shreya Addanki sang a melodious tune from recent Telugu movie hits. The Musunuri sisters returned with their signature performance of classic Telugu hits. Aananda Dance Theater presented a very popular “Okapari” Annamacharya Keerthanam in Mohiniyattam style. The dance depicting Annamaya’s wonderment of the different Kalaas twinkling again and again on Lord Venkateswara’s face was pure bliss.
Next was a skit – an interpretation of the story of “Bhakta Prahalada” with 18 little kids participating. This was followed by four ladies dancing to a mélange of popular songs about Lord Sri Krishna choreographed in semi-classical style. Mrs Pavani Koduri’s group’s performance to fusion – classical & modern instrumental music with a mix of semi-classical, folk & modern dances was an interesting attempt to present something different. A rare performance of a classic folk dance “Mokkajonna Thota” was a reminder of village life in India.
Tri-State Telugu Association Board was approached to do an impromptu fundraiser to help purchase emergency supplies to aid in the relief efforts of April 9 tornado victims in Fairdale, Rochelle & Kirkland of Illinois.
A short presentation on “Relaxation by Yoga” by Ms Sheri Schmitz – a yoga instructor at HTGC Temple was a welcome diversion. Following the presentation the audience was treated to a dance “Sway to the Rhythm of Gopala” – contemporary fusion. A skit called “Taralu Digivachina Vela” – a comedy of what would happen if Telugu movie stars audition / interview for software jobs in an attempt to take over the software industry, was a laugh riot and enjoyed by all.
Students Aananda Dance Theater presented “Mallari” and “Natesha Kautham” in classical Kuchipudi dance style and was highly praised for it. Gopala Krishna Garimella brought the almost forgotten art form of “Harikatha” – Lord’s story in a rhythmic song form to the audience received great appreciation. Mrs Madhuri Hari’s melodious Karaoke performance of popular Telugu hit song was very well received. The final presentation was a tribute to Late Dr D. Ramanaidu – scion of Telugu movie industry.
The emcee for the evening, Ms Padma Sonti did a marvelous job.
TTA is a non-profit incorporated organization of people of Telugu origin residing in states of Illinois. Its Board of Directors are Dr. Bhaskara Reddy Karri, Mrs Chandini Duvvuri, Jagadish Kanuru, Mrs Srilakshmi Duvvapu, Mrs Neelu Mylavarapu, Mrs Pranathi Kaligotla, Prasad Jasti, Raghu Moturi, Mrs Rajani Akurati, Ramakrishna Korrapolu, Ravi Tammana, Sai Yandamuri, Dr Srinath Vasireddy, Mrs Swapna Pula, Mrs Vaidehi Sriram, Mrs Radhika Garimella, Hemanth Pappu, Prasad Maruvada. Aparna Ayyalaraju & Veeraswamy Achanta.
Its next event will be the 2015 Annual Summer Picnic.
India Post News Service
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