CHICAGO, IL (TIP): Telugu Association of Greater Chicago (TAGC)- First Telugu association in North America-  celebrated Makara Sankranti and India Republic Day with Chicago land area Telugu families at the HTGC Rama Temple Auditorium, Lemont IL. The event was a grand success with overwhelming response from the Telugu community with over 1000 guests in attendance. The event was conducted on 13th January 2018 from 3:00 PM to 10PM. TAGC Board has decided to do this event with all local talent promoting the Telugu culture, traditions and encouraged youth to preserve traditions. As per Membership committee chair Praveen Vemulapalli more than 1000 guests were attending the event even during the Cold weather in Chicago.

The cultural programs included more than 30 events with 330 local talents, and Chicago’s famous singers Praveen Jaligama garu, Sailaja garu and Madhavi Merugu garu who entertained audiences with movie songs.

TAGC President-elect Ramu Billakanti garu welcomed and wished good health, prosperity and wealth to all the guests on behalf of President Jyothi Chintalapani garu. President garu thanked all Sponsors, Volunteers and encouraged to take membership by all attendees.

The program started with Lord Ganesha prayer along with the cultural team and Board of Directors. In the Sankranti and India Republic cultural event 330 participants performed a variety of programs and shows keeping the audience entertained and involved. The program highlight was Men’s skit “Pandu gadi Kotu Gola” and Women’s skit “Mahillallu – Maharanulu”

TAGC President elect thanked and congratulated Cultural Committee Chair Ranga Reddy Lenkala Co- chair Swetha Janamanchi and Uma Avadhuta team members and volunteers who worked for more than 8 weeks to make the event grand success.

Audience was enthusiastic to see all decorations throughout the Auditorium. Bommalla Koluvu, Kite decoration, Harvest Crop themes was a special attraction according to Decorations Committee Chair Mrs. Vani Yetrintala. There were also competitions on Sankranthi theme and Muggulu potti. Gifts were distributed for the Competition winners by Sponsors along with on-spot gift cards for kids who answered correctly about Sankranti and Telugu culture.

TAGC Sankranthi cultural Celebration also included a delicious dinner served by volunteers.

 (Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA)