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Atlanta Telugus eye record with 43-ft Bathukamma
Greater Atlanta Telangana Society celebrates two decades of cultural unity with a record-breaking 43-foot Bathukamma and vibrant Dasara festivities.
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Staff Reporter - Tue, 14, Oct 2025
- 13:24 EDT
- 28
43-foot Bathukamma in Atlanta unveiled by Greater Atlanta Telangana Society (GATeS) / Courtesy: GATeS
A record-breaking 43-foot Bathukamma—the tallest ever built globally and the first of its kind in America—was unveiled in Atlanta as part of the Greater Atlanta Telangana Society’s (GATeS) 20th anniversary celebrations on Sept. 28, 2025.
The milestone event combined Bathukamma and Dasara festivities and drew over 5,000 attendees, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of Telugu culture and tradition.
More than 50 volunteers worked for months in rotating shifts to construct the Bathukamma, wrapping it with over 25,000 feet of colorful flowers. The installation symbolized devotion, unity, and the enduring cultural identity of Telanganites abroad.
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Bathukamma architect Anand Bukka and GATeS president Naveen Battini conceived the idea more than a year ago, while chairman Naveen Vujjini oversaw the project’s execution, a release noted.
“This is not just a structure; it’s a statement of community strength and pride,” said GATeS chairman Naveen Vujjini. Chief architect Bukka added that the team’s effort “reflects the unbreakable spirit of our people and their deep cultural roots.”
The celebration opened with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by cultural performances highlighting Telangana’s artistic richness. Devotional songs by the Sravanthi team, traditional dances by the Sahitya Dance Group, and a lively Kolatam performance by Priya’s team set the tone for the evening.
Priest-led Gauri Pooja and live performances by Telangana artists Dandepally Srinivas, Relare Ganga, and Padmavathi Mamidala further energized the audience.
Dasara rituals, including the Durga Natha Pallaki Seva and Jammi Aaku exchange, added a spiritual dimension to the event. Thousands of women participated in the traditional dance around the monumental Bathukamma, creating a vibrant display of sisterhood and devotion.
People of all age groups attended the event / Courtesy: GATeS
The venue featured Telangana-themed decorations, including the Kakatiya Thoranam by Madhavi, and numerous food stalls and vendor booths offering authentic experiences. Photography by Raghu Valusani and videography by Sharath Goparaju captured the event’s scale and spirit.
GATeS also recognized distinguished guest Sudhir Kodati for his early efforts in promoting Bathukamma internationally.
As the event concluded, GATeS leadership expressed gratitude to its volunteers, board members, and partners for their dedication over the years. “Our volunteers didn’t just build a 43-foot Bathukamma—they built a legacy,” said president Naveen Battini.
Marking two decades of service, GATeS reaffirmed its mission to preserve and promote Telangana’s cultural heritage across the United States. The 20th-anniversary celebration stood as a testament to unity, devotion, and the enduring global spirit of the Telugu community.
Disclaimer: Limca Book of Records application record attempt in progress.
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