GTA Detroit hosts vibrant Bathukamma and Dasara celebrations in Michigan

Women lighting a lamp during the fourth Bathukamma & Dasara celebrations at Studio Center in Detroit, United States.

The spirit of Telangana didn’t just travel to Michigan, it blossomed there. The Detroit Chapter of the Global Telangana Association (GTA) organized its fourth Bathukamma & Dasara celebrations at the Studio Center with around 1,800 members of the Telugu diaspora gathering for a vibrant display of culture, devotion and togetherness.

The place turned into a riot of colors as women and young girls arrived decked out in beautiful silk sarees and traditional langa vonis. But the real centerpiece was the hundreds of intricately arranged Bathukamma flower piles that participants brought as offerings to Goddess Gowri and Mother Nature.

The air resonated with devotional songs as participants danced in circles around flower stacks, their synchronized clapping and movements creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The festivities began on a spiritual note with a traditional Shami pooja conducted by the local temple priest.

The GTA Detroit Executive Committee left no stone unturned in creating a holistic community experience. A sumptuous treat was prepared for all present, specially prepared by the local Indian restaurant Aha Biryani.

The occasion was attended by prominent leaders from various Indian communities, including Michigan Republican Party Treasurer Sunny Reddy.

Participants during the fourth Bathukamma & Dasara celebrations at Studio Center in Detroit, United States.

On this occasion GTA Executive Committee led by its National President Praveen Kesireddy, Detroit Chapter President, Venkat Vadnala, Board of Trustees Mallikarjun Padukone, Mahesh Venukadasula, Prem Reddy Chintapally, Suma Kalvala, GTA Vanitha wing comprising Sushma Padukone, Swapna theepthapi Chintapally coordinated a successful event for Chintapally and Detroit.

Prizes were presented to the winners of the ‘Best Bathukamma’ competition on the occasion. Working Committee and Local Executive Members – Sathyadhir Gangasani, Navadeep Vempati, Ravi Pinnapureddy, Yugandhar Bhumireddy, Karunakar Kandukuri; and executive and advisory body members – Yadagiri Ileni, Sainath Lachireddygari, Goverdhan Pinnamreddy, Krishna Prasad Jaligama, Ashok Veludandi, Badrinarayan, Rahul Thota, Bhaskar Siriki, Ram Ponnuru, Venkatramana Kotha, Kamal Pinnapureddy, Vappte Manchatish Kota attended the Santhosh Kota felicitation.

As a joyous finale, the event ended not with a farewell but with the energetic beats of a night of Dhol and Daandiya where the community reunited to dance and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Published – 24 Oct 2026 20:09 IST