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New York Ugadi event spotlights traditional panche walk
The event centered on the traditional Telugu method of draping, which differs from variations seen in other regions or Indo-Western adaptations.
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Staff Reporter - Mon, 27, Apr 2026
- 01:06 EDT
- 38
Traditional men’s fashion walk. / Courtesy photo
The Telugu Literary and Cultural Association marked its 55th Ugadi celebrations with a traditional men’s fashion walk, where more than 60 participants showcased ‘Panche Kattu,’ or dhoti draping, on stage in New York.
Organized as part of TLCA Ugadi 2026, the event focused on traditional handloom attire and aimed to highlight the cultural significance of the Telugu-style dhoti. The program was led by the group ‘Jawanies,’ comprising Nehru Kataru, Kiran Reddy Parvatala, Prasad Dabbiru, Harishankar Rasaputra, Karthik Mannem and Sumanth Ramsetti.
Participants presented different styles of wearing the panche, drawing attention to a form of dress that organizers said is becoming less common. The event centered on the traditional Telugu method of draping, which differs from variations seen in other regions or Indo-Western adaptations.
The Telugu Literary and Cultural Association marked its 55th Ugadi celebrations with a traditional men’s fashion walk, where more than 60 participants showcased ‘Panche Kattu,’ or dhoti draping, on stage in New York.
Organized as part of TLCA Ugadi 2026, the event focused on traditional handloom attire and aimed to highlight the cultural significance of the Telugu-style dhoti. The program was led by the group ‘Jawanies,’ comprising Nehru Kataru, Kiran Reddy Parvatala, Prasad Dabbiru, Harishankar Rasaputra, Karthik Mannem and Sumanth Ramsetti.
Participants presented different styles of wearing the panche, drawing attention to a form of dress that organizers said is becoming less common. The event centered on the traditional Telugu method of draping, which differs from variations seen in other regions or Indo-Western adaptations.
Organizers said the initiative was intended to address the gradual decline in the use of traditional men’s attire. While dhotis are still worn at weddings and cultural events, they are often styled differently, and the original Telugu form is seen less frequently in public settings.
The program was conceived as both a cultural presentation and an effort to preserve a practice tied to regional identity. By featuring handloom dhotis on stage, the organizers sought to introduce younger generations in the diaspora to traditional dress and its cultural context.
The ‘Jawanies’ group thanked participants, donors and TLCA leadership for their support. They also acknowledged Sirisha Tunuguntla for contributing to the event’s organization.
Organizers said they hope the event will encourage wider participation in future and promote continued use of the traditional panche. They expressed interest in building on the program’s visibility to sustain awareness of Telugu cultural practices tied to attire.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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