Festivals we celebrate
GMA chapters organize or coordinate a celebration for every major Telugu festival, keeping traditions alive for our children far from home.
Ugadi, Telugu New Year
The most important festival for Telugu families: Panchanga Sravanam (the new year reading), Ugadi Pachadi (a six-flavour chutney for life's many feelings), cultural programs and a community feast, with priests and astrologers invited.
Bathukamma, the flower festival
Telangana's nine-day flower festival during Navaratri. Women build Bathukamma flower stacks, sing the traditional songs and celebrate womanhood. GMA Vanitha leads this celebration.
Sankranti, the harvest festival
Three days: Bhogi (out with the old), Sankranti (thanksgiving with a Pongal feast and Harikatha) and Kanuma (honouring working cattle), with kite flying and Gangireddulu, the decorated bulls.
Dasara, Vijayadasami
The victory of good over evil: Saraswati Puja, Ayudha Puja (honouring tools and instruments), the Vijayadasami procession and Dandiya Raas. It holds special meaning for the Munnuru Kapu community's warrior heritage.
Diwali, the festival of lights
Lakshmi Puja, clay diyas, fireworks, sweets and a community gathering, with the morning oil bath (Abhyanga Snanam), new clothes and family traditions.
Sri Venkateshwara Kalyanam
The celestial wedding of Lord Venkateshwara and Goddess Padmavathi, traditionally performed at Tirumala. GMA holds community Kalyanam ceremonies at the Mahasabha and special events.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh idols worshipped for one to eleven days, ending with Visarjana (immersion), with bhajans, prasadam and cultural programs.
Bonalu
Telangana's festival for Goddess Mahakali: women carry decorated pots (Bonalu) as offerings, with processions and Ghatam performances.