GATA Deepavali Celebrations
The Greater Atlanta Telugu Association (GATA) celebrated Deepavali with an attendance of nearly 1,500 people on November 20, 2015 at Skyland Business Center Auditorium in Cumming. The evening began at 7pm with preshow singing by local singers and continued on into the night with cultural programs and fireworks thereafter. Talented emcees Swapna Kaswa and Swapna Katta enthralled the audience with their witty remarks and prompt coordination of the program.
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The evening program started with the jyothi prajwalana performed by the GATA team and founding members followed by the Lord Ganesha stotram rendered by the youth group. Local performers from several dance and music institutions as well as a few groups brought their enthusiasm to the stage and showcased their talent. The program brought to the audience a blend of classical and modern Tollywood dances. The major event for the night was brought forward by Smt. Revathi Komanduru's students. American kids for the first time in GATA performed a beautiful dance to a Bollywood song, which was appreciated by everyone.
Chief guest was Forsyth County Commission Chairman Mr. Pete Amos, who was joined by his wife Mrs. Catherine Amos. Mrs. Amos was delighted to see the Indian classical dance and snapped photos for her memories.
Guest of honor was Vice Consul (PS) Mr. Timothy Jetty from the Indian Consulate in Atlanta. Chairman Amos congratulated the Indian community for the excellent display of culture in the program and thanked the community for being a part of making Forsyth County one of the fastest growing counties in the state. Vice Consul Jetty stated his appreciation for the values encompassed in the banner logo tamasoma jyothirgamaya.
Mr. Amos and Mr. Jetty presented perennial GATA patrons with plaques for their continued support of GATA programs.
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After dinner, parents and children celebrated with fireworks and sparklers, allowing everyone to depart the night with good memories of Deepavali 2015.
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Thanks:
Photographer: Mr. Sridhar Vakiti for capturing the energy and enthusiasm of performers and attendees alike throughout the program. His dedication over the past five years at each GATA event was recognized by the entire GATA community.
Sound system: Srinivas Durgam for enhancing the cultural programs.
Patrons and sponsors for their contributions to our success, including dinner sponsors Peppers, Krishna Vilas, Suvidha, and Siva Mattipalli (pizzas).
Volunteers: Kiran Baddam, Amar, Sai, Rohit, Praneeth, Nickil, Raj, Sridhar, Naresh, Vikram, Niranjan, Ganesh, Manohar, Santosh, Pramod, Vinod, Mahender, Shashi Mariganti, Srini Gundeboina, Srikar Bellup, Balakrishna, Kishan Devunoori, Suresh Kulla, Ram Parupalli, Sai Prasada Reddy, Rakshita, Tanvi, Keerthi, Raj Kasireddy, Ramana Muppiri, who set aside time to make the program a huge success. If we miss any names it is not intentional and every volunteer is very important for us.
Finally, gratitude to the dance and music institutes who brought forth performers with immeasurable enthusiasm and talent for the program, the showcase of the evening.
Posted 12/13/15.
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