TAGB Ugadi Utsavam Celebrated with Full Splendor at Milford High School

On the sunny afternoon of April 29, 2023, the campus of Milford High School was alive with the vibrant colors, sounds, and flavors of Telugu culture. Nearly 800 people from the Telugu community gathered to celebrate the annual Ugadi festival organized by the Telugu Association of Greater Boston (TAGB) with the support of its dedicated volunteers and sponsors. The 10-hour program was a grand success, featuring a diverse range of programs that showcased the rich heritage and talents of Telugu people.

As the attendees arrived, they were warmly welcomed by the TAGB task force, who offered them Ugadi pachadi, a traditional dish that symbolizes the blend of sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy experiences of life. The guests then immersed themselves in the festivities, which included a variety of programs that catered to all age groups and interests. The children had a blast running around the courtyard, munching on different kinds of snacks and sweets, while their parents enjoyed watching them and socializing with their friends.

The highlight of the event was the introduction of the new working group of the TAGB governing board members for 2022-23 by its President, Smt. Padmaja Balabhadrapatruni. The new team comprises President Elect Deepti Gora, Executive Director Srinivas Gondi, Treasurer Srikanth Gomattam, and Cultural Secretary Gayathri Ayyagari, who played a key role in organizing and coordinating the cultural programs. The Board of Trustees is chaired by Anil Potluri and vice-chaired by Krishna Majeti, with Sitaram, Ravindra Mekala, and Ramana Duggaraju as the members.

In her address, President Padmaja Ahutula expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the Ugadi Utsavam, especially the children who recited Telugu poetry with confidence and enthusiasm, and their parents and teachers who supported and encouraged them to learn and love the language. She emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting Telugu language and culture, and urged everyone to speak, teach, and cherish Telugu at home and in the community.

The cultural programs were the main attraction of the event, showcasing the talents of many Telugu artists and performers. The audience was treated to a feast of music, dance, drama, and poetry, ranging from classical to contemporary, humorous to poignant. The Veenulavindu group and the Swararagalahari troupe presented mesmerizing performances that combined instrumental music with vocal harmonies and expressions. The Nari Shakti, Kala Tapasvi Vishwanadh, Natulu Krishna, Jamuna Garla Smrityanjali, Kolatam, and Dharmo Rakshathi Rakshitah programs featured various dance forms that highlighted the diversity and beauty of Telugu culture. The Balalahari children's Telugu comedy drama "Anta Telugumayam" was a big hit, as it showcased how easy and fun Telugu grammar can be learned through playful dialogue and actions.

A special program dedicated to the occasion of Ugadi Utsavam was the Garla "Bhuvana Viyasa" poetry drama led by Srinivas Balabhadrapatra and Padmaja, which enthralled the audience with its portrayal of the life and times of Sri Krishna Devaraya and his Ashta diggas. The actors brought the characters to life with their superb acting skills, costumes, and props, and recited some of the finest poetry gems of Telugu literature.