The 2013 “Deepavali Dhamaka” was hosted on Saturday October 19th at Nashua High School by the Telugu Association of Greater Boston (TAGB). The skilled performances by local talent enthralled over 1000 guests with 6 uninterrupted hours of lively and engaging programs. As  President Mr Ramesh Tallam proudly conveyed, this was the first TAGB celebration to take place in New Hampshire, catering to a growing Telugu community and thanked the city for accommodating this event.

Cultural Committee Secretary Mrs. Manimala Chalupadi and her team, holding brightly lit lamps, graciously welcomed the audience and commenced the afternoon’s events. The décor of the auditorium and traditional outfits of attendees coupled with the excitement of the audience reflected a festive atmosphere. The energy and splendor of the songs, dances, musical and dramatic performances by youngsters were no less than that of a traditional Deepavali fireworks show.
 
“Ashtalakshmi Stotram” was Kuchipudi dance in veneration of Goddess Mahalakshmi, the presiding deity of Deepavali, and was performed by the students of Sailaja Tummala. The virtuosity of the performance, reflected in the complex footwork and captivating poses, was a visual extravaganza that left the audience spellbound. The whimsical “America lo Desi jeevitham” performance by Mr. & Mrs. Bala portrayed life in the US with adaptations of Telugu movie songs that catapulted the evening to its zenith. “Sundarakanda” a musical skit depicting a kid’s perspective of The Ramayana, was admirable. Other performances included classical, folk and movie dances; songs, recitations, and instrumental music. The sincere effort of parents to inculcate traditional values in their children was reflected the faith and dedication of their performances.
 
During the event, Mr. Mohan Nannapaneni, president of the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) and prominent patron of TAGB, was felicitated for his significant contributions in aiding and supporting the Indian community. Eminent Professor, Dr. Chandrakaladhara Rao Tenneti awarded certificates and medals to the toppers of the practice PSAT exam conducted earlier in the day.  Winning teams of the cricket matches and tennis competitions conducted in the summer were presented trophies. The executive committee briefly commemorated the late Ex-President Venkateswara Rao Dhoolipala, cherishing his contributions to TAGB.
 
Delicious snacks by Paradise Biryani and sumptuous dinner by the Mayuri Restaurant and several stalls set up by various vendors added to the festive fervor.  Surreal efforts of the emcees: Mr. Srinivas Bala, Mrs. Padmaja Bala, Mr. Kiran Pagadala facilitated the event and ensured the smooth flow of multitude of programs.

The beautiful evening came to a conclusion with closing remarks and a vote of thanks by TAGB Secretary Mr. Shankar Magapu. He acknowledged the spirit and enthusiasm of day’s performers, sports champions and the tireless efforts of many volunteers. He thanked the audience for gracing the splendid occasion, the sponsors for endorsing the organization over the years.

The event concluded with Indian and American National Anthem singing. The community has once again come together to display its strength and solidarity by making this event a grand extravaganza.

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