ST LOUIS: The Telugu Association of St. Louis (TAS), Missouri celebrated Sankranthi celebrations (South Indian Harvest Festival) on Saturday, 7 February 2015 in a spectacular way.
More than 1000 people attended the event and around 130 kids and adults participated in the cultural events.Dressed in attires reflecting Telugu culture and tradition, artists presented a variety of cultural programs which drew huge applause from the audience.
Stage decoration, audio visuals and great theme to reflect Telugu culture in a village environment were highlights of the celebration. The South Indian village atmosphere was created on the stage with life-size bullock cart, cow-and-calf, Lord Ganesh, etc. and depicted the Telugu culture. Archana Upamaka’s anchoring added Telugu nativity to the stage.
There was a three-hour cultural program including TAS atavidupu (game show), songs, poem recitals and vocal recitals, movie dance sequences, etc. Many members took part in Rangoli competitions and Bommala Koluvu.
President Muralikrishna Puttagunta introduced newly elected Executive Committee and Board of Directors and thanked past committees for their service to the community.
He reminded everyone of the marvelous successes of TAS in the last four years and laid out TAS’s plans for 2015 and 2016. He urged members to get involved in the social programs especially designed to engage youth in the social service.
Cultural Secretary Mrs Srilahari Dasyam coordinated the cultural events. Vice-President Ravindranath Karnati delivered vote of thanks. Secretary Raviraj Kolakaleti played a key role in organizing the event while the treasurer Mr. Subakalyan Vuyyuru managed member enrollments and reception area. The participants were awarded TAS trophies.
Authentic South Indian dinner left the taste buds of everyone satisfied.
Ashwin Patel
