CHICAGO: The Andhra Association of Chicago, CAA, a new Telugu organization of Andhrites in Chicago land area, held its first ever ‘Vanabhojanalu’ picnic at St. James Forest Preserve in Naperville on Saturday June 11,drawing around 1200 members and guests, the high temperature notwithstanding.
Chicago was abuzz with the Vanabhojanalu event much prior to kick-off. On the Event day, since 11 am in the morning, the crowds started thronging the forest preserve. By noon the park was filled with Andhra fervor & flavor. ‘Aritaku lo bhojanam’, traditional Andhra style lunch in a banana leaf was the highlight of the event. Saree clad Andhra women serving at the event made a beautiful sight. All those gathered felt as if they were literally in Andhra Pradesh.
Members and visitors enjoyed a sumptuous Andhra meal from Karaikudi Indian Restaurant comprising Tandoori Chicken, Corn and the delicacies from Rayalaseema and Andhra regions.
The cooking competition paved the way for cooking instructions of how to make Andhra Laddu, a delicacy that is very popular among Andhrites. It was a bemusing spectacle to watch folks standing in line to form an Andhra Pradesh state map.
Dr. Bhargavi Nettem, a family practice physician, demonstrated the process of CPR. Sundar Dittakavi, President of CAA congratulated the organizers and sponsors for making the event a very memorable one. Dr UmaKatiki, Vice-President of CAA & Event Coordinator Karthik Desai executed the event with meticulous precision.
Andhra Pradesh Development Forum of North America, APDFNA, Directors Padma Rao Appalaneni and Bhanu Swargam explained the objectives of Development forum and how its network could be leveraged for carrying out various developmental activities in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Founder Chairman Srinivas Pedamallu presented prizes to the raffle ticket winners. American Telugu Association, ATA, conducted a registration drive for the upcoming ATA Silver Jubilee Conference in Chicago.
Keerthi Ravoori
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
