People from Cincinnati , OH area have celebrated the Bathukamma festival in Mason Park on 30^th September.  More than 120 people attended inspite of inclement weather conditions. TDF Cincinnati has organized the event.

Women woke up early in the morning to collect the flowers, and kids helped their moms to prepare the Bathukammas.  This event has brought the childhood memories from back home where children used to go to the fields to collect various wild flowers like Gunugu poolu, Thangedu Poolu, and other domestic flowers like Beera Poolu and Cutley Poolu.  Since these traditional flowers are not available in the US , we have substituted with the locally available flowers.

Women wore traditional Indian costumes and jewelry.  They placed all the Bathukammas in the center of the play.  They sang the Bathukamma songs, going around the Bathukammas in a circular fashion.  It was a visual treat when women danced around the Bathukammas with Bathukamma songs in the rhythm of   "Bathukamma Bathukamma Uyyaalo.” 

 They also sang Harathi songs before immersing the Bathukammas in the near by stream. Later men, women and children played Kolatam with the kolatam sticks. 

People of all ages have participated in this event. Women mentioned that the event has brought their childhood memories back.  Parents visiting from India  commented that the celebrations are akin to the ones in India .  

Thanks to all the volunteers who have prepared the dishes. The dinner was memorable with everyone enjoying tastes of Telangana .  Over all, it was a delightful moment.  All the participants were pleased with the occasion, and commented that they’re looking forward to have more events like these.   

TDF Cincinnati Chapter has displayed the copies of Telangana Times (http://times.discover-telangana.org), Neellu-Nijalu, (written by R.Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Engineer in CWC) and distributed them to the members. Jaya Prakash has explained the importance of Telangana literature, and its contribution to the cause.

 Donations for the "Telangana Book Fund" were mooted and members have responded generously.  The members showed their support towards the Telangana Literature, and expressed their concern as how there is a scarcity of it overseas.

TDF Cincinnati Chapter appreciates the efforts of its members, and volunteers, without whom organizing the event would have been possible.  We would also like to thank all the participants for their presence and enthusiastic participation.