GRAND BONALU CELEBRATIONS IN NEW JERSEY, USA

NRIs Organize Spectacular Bonala Jatara, Showcasing Telangana’s Culture and Traditions

(Swathi – From New Jersey)

Telangana’s vibrant and traditional festival, Bonalu, has transcended borders and found a new home in the United States. In a landmark event organized by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), the first-ever Bonalu celebrations took place in America, courtesy of the Mana American Telugu Association (MATA) and Sai Datta Peetham Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple. The festivities, held in Edison, New Jersey, captured the essence of Telangana’s rich culture and featured captivating pothuraju dances.

A multitude of Telugu NRIs enthusiastically participated in the event, engaging in religious rituals and paying homage through puja. Local Telugu women from the Edison area adorned themselves with Bonalu and extended a warm welcome to the revered goddess. Immersed in devotion, they offered prayers, fervently wishing for the prosperity and harmony of the Telangana-American community. The puja ceremony was led by Raghusharma Sankaramanchi, Chairman of Sai Datta Peetham.

Srinivasa Ganagoni, President of MATA, expressed his heartfelt greetings on the occasion of Bonalu. He found immense satisfaction in organizing the inaugural Bonalu celebrations in the United States with such grandeur and emphasized MATA’s commitment to organizing similar events in the future.

Notable individuals in attendance included Kiran Duddagi (ED), Vijay Bhaskar Kalal (NC), Sridhar Gudala (IVP), Damu Gedela (Honorary Adviser), Jaideep Reddy (Honorary Adviser), Krishnashree Gandham (BOD), Mahender Narala (BOD), Venky Masti (RVP), Krishna Siddhada (RVP), Ranga Rao Madishetti (SC), Girija Madasi (SC), Mahipal Reddy (Philly RVP), Rakesh Kasturi (RC), Prabhakar (RC), Poorna (RC), Seshagiri Rao (SC), Shirisha Gundapaneni (SC) Raghu Madupoju (SC), Deepak Katta (SC), Suresh Khazana (RC), Ashok Chintakunta, Madhavi Soleti, and others, who wholeheartedly participated in the joyous festivities.

The success of the Bonalu celebrations in New Jersey reflects the unwavering spirit of Telugu NRIs in preserving and sharing their cultural heritage on an international stage. This momentous occasion marks the beginning of a new chapter in the celebration of Bonalu, uniting the Telugu community across continents and strengthening their bond with their roots.