Indian traditions and festivals are being celebrated with great fervor even abroad. The Mana American Telugu Association (MATA) organized Bonalu celebrations in various chapters across the USA in a vibrant and grand manner. The festivities began in Philadelphia on July 13 and continued with grand events in New Jersey and Atlanta on July 20. Telugu families actively participated in the celebrations, showcasing cultural traditions and organizing various devotional and cultural programs with enthusiasm.
Speaking on the occasion, MATA President Ramana Kiran Duddagi said, “These Bonalu celebrations are a true reflection of our cultural pride and unity. All MATA family members are dedicatedly preserving and celebrating our traditions, strengthening community bonds in every chapter.”
The event saw active involvement from MATA Founders Srinivas Ganagoni and Pradeep Samala, President Kiran Kumar Duddagi, Spiritual Director Sirisha Gundapuneni, Executive Vice President Praveen Guduru, the Board of Directors, Advisors, Regional Vice Presidents, Standing Committee Members, Regional Coordinators, and numerous community volunteers, all of whom contributed to the success of the celebrations.
The Bonalu festivals in Philly, New Jersey, and Atlanta were conducted with cultural grandeur and strong community participation. Key highlights included traditional Bonam processions, Pothurajulu performances, decorated Goddess floats, colorful pots, rhythmic dappu drum beats, offering of prasadam, and a variety of vibrant cultural programs that captivated the audiences.
The New Jersey celebration was coordinated by the local core team under the leadership of Spiritual Chair Sirisha Gundapuneni, while the Philly event was managed by Treasurer Sridhar Gudala’s team. The Atlanta Bonalu was planned and executed by Executive Director Nagesh Chilakapati’s team. Support for these teams was provided by Executive VP Praveen Guduru, General Secretary Vijay Bhaskar Kalal, Community Services Director Kalyani Reddy Bellamkonda, Health & Wellness Director Dr. Saraswathi Lakkasani, and Sports Director Suresh Kajana.
Youth played a significant role in the success of these events by actively participating in traditional roles and cultural performances. Notable contributors included Saranya Duddagi, Anvitha Guduru, Siddharth Thamma, Eshan Tangirala, Satya Neman, Preeti Mulbagal, Raghu Vessam, Venu Giri, Deepak Katta, Narender Errangoori, and Madhusudhan Kunku.
Spiritual support for the New Jersey event was extended by NJ Sai Datta Peetham Temple, with participation from Raghu Sharma Shankaramanchi, temple priests, and volunteers. Similarly, the Ganesh Temple in Atlanta and Sai Temple of Malvern in Philly provided their support.
Prominent Congress leader Madhu Yashki attended the New Jersey Bonalu event and extended his wishes to the MATA organizers, adding further prestige and significance to the festival.
MATA Founders Srinivas Ganagoni, Pradeep Samala, and Jitender Reddy have played a vital role in shaping the organization’s vision and ensuring its sustained growth and cultural impact.