The 2012 Ugaadi and Sri Ramanavami cultural event was organized by the Tri State Telugu Association (TTA), Chicago, on April 7TH, 2012 at Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont, Illinois. TTA victoriously celebrated this event that presented a multi-talented, multi-faceted cultural program of dances and inspiring music. The Samarathi Auditorium was packed with over 500 art lovers.

Amazing performances by the local talent with a rainbow of flavors ranging from Classical to semi-classical dances, theme based productions on “Vasanthotsavalu & Sri Rama Charithalu” as well as movie dances kept the crowds mesmerized the entire duration. From the recital of Upanishads by students of Prajna , Panchanga Sravanam by Mr. Anantha Sonti the depiction of Ramadasu Keerthana ‘Takkuvemi Manaku by students of Mrs. Lavanya Jonnalagadda, Maa Palle – Celebration of Folk music by Omkaara Dance studio, Lava Kusa – Ramayanam a dance drama by the students of Mrs. Swetha Ragi to the extravagant production of AR Rehman Tribute by students of Mrs. Baghya Nagesh of Bollywood Rhythms along with various other classical group performances and movie dances by Chicago’s own talent filled audiences hearts with festive spirit.

The traditional Andhra style dinner which included the important ‘Ugaadi pachadi’ catered by Vishnu Vilas Restaurant was greatly enjoyed by all. 2012 Tri-State Telugu Association’s Board of Directors were introduced to the members and guests along with a brief financial report of the organization. The emcee for the evening, Mr. Anantha Sonti; did a marvelous job compering the entire show and kept the interest of the audience sustained throughout with his knowledge of Ugaadi and Sri Ramanavami significance, cultural references and his knowledge of current day music trends. Event sponsors were Sulekha.com & Liberty mutual insurance.

Stage props with original creations by Mrs.Saroja Ravi, Mrs. Prasuna Gollakota and Ms. Aashmita Chitturi with setup help by Mr.Bhaskar Reddy Karri and Mrs.Usha Pariti added a nice touch to the stage décor. Stage management by Mr.Bhaskar Reddy and event coordinator Mrs. Padmaja Sonti along with CCTV coverage by Mr.Raghu Angara and Slide Show management by Mrs. Usha Pariti kept the flow of the program unhindered. Video coverage was provided by Dr.Nag Rao and photography coverage was provided by Mr. Sai Vadlamani of PlanetinPixels.com.

The relentless efforts of the TTA Cultural committee, Food, Registration and Volunteers committees, were appreciated in the vote of thanks delivered by the event cultural coordinator, Mrs. Padmaja Sonti. The volunteers who served dinner to guests that evening in a short time of around one hour did a great job. Everyone was truly amazed at the flow of the program and its schedule. The event ended with the rendition of ‘Indian National Anthem’.