25 January 2014
Hyderabad

Twin Cities Telugu Families woke up on Saturday Jan 18th with snow and extreme cold weather. But that didn’t stop them from attending Sankranthi Sambaralu at Maple Grove Hindu Temple organized by Telugu Association of Minnesota (TEAM). Telugu Families braved snow and cold to start Sambaralu waking up Sri Venkateswara Swamy with Suprabatham. Following that was Thomolaseva with flower garlands made by Telugu Families and Sri Balaji Kalyanam. On behalf of TEAM, President Durga Prasad Kunapareddy presented vasthralu to Srivaru. There was traditional festive fervor in the entire temple. During Srivari processing entire temple reverberated with Govinda-Govinda. Srivari dwaram was inaugurated by TEAM during this celebration. Srivari procession was brought through this newly inaugurated dwaram.

Bommala Koluvu is a new addition to TEAM Sankranthi Sambaralu this year. Kids were excited to see Bommala Koluvu and participated with great enthusiasm doing harathi pooja. The entire temple was filled with Telugu families wearing traditional attire.

After having wonderful Telugu Pandaga Bhojanam, Telugu families were delighted to watch Mohini Basmasura dance drama. This was a spectacular performance by Nrityalaya Dance Academy. Telugu families also enjoyed watching classical and folk dances by kids, adults and participated in traditional Gobbillu dance. TEAM conducted Muggula poti (Rangoli competition) as part of this celebration and awarded winners and participants with prizes. Kids enjoyed Bhogi pallu celebration.

Team President Durga Prasad Kunapareddy thanked everyone for participating in Sankranthi Sambaralu at Hindu Temple and making it a grand success. He also thanked all volunteers for their effort and support and congratulated TEAM event coordinator Shashi Palani for his commitment which made this a memorable Sankranthi for Minnesota Telugu families.