Telugu Association of Greater Boston (TAGB) celebrated Sankranthi –“The Harvest Festival” with great devotion, Fervor and gaiety on 12^th January 2013 at the  of The Performing Arts Center, Littleton High School, Littleton, MA .The venue was filled with full of energy and festivity; More than 1100 families graced the occasion, nonetheless to say it was another successful event.

The stage was decked with “Bommala Koluvu”, a tier exhibition of idols of Gods and Goddesses which was skillfully arranged and decorated with lights and Flowers.

The event started with a welcome note by Cultural Secretary Sri. Niranjan Avadutha followed by Bhogi Pallu tradition , a mixture of Candies, Cranberries, Flower Petals, Akshitas showered on the kids that wards off the evil eye. More than 120 local talents of all ages participated and performed on auspicious festival celebrations and the variety of programs included Dances, Skits, and Songs in both Classical and Filmy genre.

A Drama/ Skit “Paramanandaya Sishylu” a story of Disciples, seven saints in number by the students of Sishu Bharathi Lexington and Walpole was very nicely portrayed.

Throughout the evening, there were many amazing performances by kids as little as 4 years and above, Rocking dance performance for the latest flicks by Talluri Sisters and Parakala brother’s was outstanding and extremely enjoyable. Anu Metra’s choreography for the song “Randaka Randaka” brought lightening excitement in the crowd and got a huge applause! “Once more” slogan was echoing around the corners of the auditorium. Kalai Mangai’s Boys Fusion was another eye catching performance of the evening. The involvement in cultural events of the participants and their parents shows the dedication and their respectful passion towards our culture.

 â€œFresh Milk Sold Here” skit plot by Kiran Pagadala along with the Executive and Cultural Committee members was comical.

One of the Special Attractions of the evening was a Musical night by Smt.Soujanya Madabushi and Sri.Santosh Khammamkar from New Jersey presented very popular hits from old and new Telugu films. Their melodious voices mesmerized the audiences.

The Star MC’s of the evening Sri.Kiran Pagadala and Smt.Padma Dhavala were amazingly hilarious with their timely humor leaving the audience in awe.

TAGB has gladly introduced the academic PSAT Math Competitions (Free of Cost) for all the kids of Middle and High School which got an enormous response and participation.

As part of the cultural programs the committee conducted Rangoli and Kite Making competition which was entirely fun filled. Winners of the Chess and tennis tournaments were presented with mementos.

The new Executive committee (2013) and Board of Trustees(2013-2014)  were introduced by Sri. Srinivas Kollipara garu, TAGB President in the presence of Sri.Govindrao Bhisetti garu, BOT Chair, TANA Executive Vice President Sri. Mohan Nannapaneni Garu and Dr. Dasari Ammani garu. President Sri.Srinivas Kollipara thanked all the outgoing office-bearers and welcomed all the new committee members and requested to continue the good work, all to work together for better unity and to strengthen the Association. Following candidates are announced as new Executive committee members(2013) and Board of Trustees members (2013-14) by Election Committee Chair Sri.Babu Tammisetti garu. Ramesh Tallam ( President ), Janakiram Gubbala ( President Elect ), Shankar Magapu ( Secretary ), Srinivas Batchu ( Treasurer ), Manimala Chalupadi ( Cultural Secretary ), Raja S Chilakamarri ( Joint Secretary ), Padmaja Surapaneni ( Joint Treasurer ), Mallareddy Karra ( BOT Member  ), Koteshwara rao Kandukuri ( BOT Member ) and Siva Dogiparthi ( BOT Member )

As always, TAGB committee received lot of encouraging and affirmative feedback from the attendees about the variety and quality of the programs and the importance of these events for keeping our tradition and culture for next generations. More than 28 variety programs were part of the 6 hour long event.

Savory snacks and luscious pastries were provided by Hot Breads followed by delicious dinner from Mayuri Indian Cuisine at a very nominal cost. Many vendors’ hosted Spiritual, Fund Raising, Clothing and Jewelry stalls on the evening which engrossed the crowd.

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