CHICAGO: Telugu Association of Greater Chicago (TAGC) celebrated Sankranthi and Republic Day on Saturday January 17 at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont, a southwest suburb of Chicago, attended by over 1000 guests from in and around the Chicago area.
It was TAGC 44th year of service and dedication to the Chicago and surrounding areas. Bhogi-Sankranthi is the annual festival celebrating the successful harvest. It is celebrated with great fanfare in the southern part of India.
The evening was filled with activities for both the young and old. This year’s President, Executive Committee and members of the Chicago Area Telugu Seniors (CATS) of TAGC inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp and welcoming the guests.
Over 200 children took part in the cultural programs. The programs ranged from prayer songs to patriotic songs; traditional dances to Bollywood dances; from skits depicting Lord Krishna to dances enacting the entire Ramayana and invoking the Panchabhootams (five elements) was showcased.
Many cultural presentations as part of the event enthralled all those in attendance. Some of highlights of the cultural program were songs, dances and skit sequences presented by children touching upon Bhagavatham, Ramayanam events plus those signifying Bhogi and Sankrathi like “Muggula poti”, “Bommala Kolu”, Kuchipudi, bhartanatyam, Janapada. Fusion dances included classical, Tollywood performances and group songs on Sankranthi and Republic Day.
Participants from young children, youth and adults, including CATS members presented showcasing the importance of Sankranthi with “Gobbillu” and “Kolatam”. The finale was presented as “Swara Madhuri” a mixture of melodious film and light music songs by invited artists.
Over 40 children under the age of six were invited on to the stage to participate in the Bhogipalla Sambaraalu. The CATS members blessed the children by pouring Bhoggi Pallu on them while singing songs. Poti were presented with prizes.
President Jagan Bukkaraju summarized the activities of 2014 and observed that TAGC has pledged to focus on youth related activities, Community services and continued importance to women’s activities in 2015.
Upcoming events are Family Fun Bowling Tournament to be held on February 21st followed by Women’s Day Celebrations on March 8, before the Ugadi Celebrations.
Malathi Damaraju, Joint Secretary of TAGC, proposed a vote of thanks praising all the volunteers and Board Members who made this event a grand success.
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