Brisbane’s Telugu community unites for grand Sankranthi celebrations

Brisbane, January 28 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

The Andhra Association of Queensland (AAQ) hosted a spectacular Sankranthi celebration on January 12, 2025, at Logan West Community Centre, Hillcrest. The event brought together over 550 attendees for a day filled with cultural pride, traditions, and festive joy, reinforcing the strong sense of community among Brisbane’s Telugu diaspora.

At the heart of this grand celebration were AAQ’s visionary founders, Ram Junnuri and Uma Chilukoti, whose dedication and leadership have played a pivotal role in preserving Telugu cultural heritage. Their tireless efforts, alongside meticulous planning by Sudha Shanker and the organizing team, ensured the event’s success.

A celebration of culture and tradition

The festivities began with a Muggulu (Rangoli) competition, where participants showcased their creativity with intricate and vibrant designs. The event then took to the skies with a kite-flying activity, giving attendees a chance to relive childhood memories and stay connected to their Telugu roots.

The Gobbemmalu Ceremony, a sacred tradition symbolizing prosperity and unity, saw young girls and women decorating cow dung balls with flowers and offering prayers. Another highlight was the Bommala Pelli (Doll Wedding)—a unique cultural tradition that delighted attendees, particularly children, as it recreated a traditional marriage ceremony using beautifully adorned dolls.

The Bhogi Pallu ritual, where elders showered young children with flowers, fruits, and sweets, fostered intergenerational bonding, while a traditional dress ramp walk showcased the beauty of Telugu heritage through vibrant attire. Special recognition went to Hari Panchumarthi, who was awarded "Best Dressed Haridasu" for embodying the spirit of the festival.

Entertainment and community engagement

The event was kept lively by the charismatic Masters of Ceremonies, Hari Panchumarthi, Archana Pattela, and Vidya Mallela, who entertained the crowd and ensured the seamless flow of events. The Sankranthi feast was a major highlight, offering a lavish spread of traditional Telugu delicacies such as Ariselu, Boorelu, Avakaya, Pappu, and Dappalam, leaving attendees delighted.

AAQ also took the opportunity to express gratitude to participants by distributing traditional return gifts for women and children, ensuring that everyone left with cherished mementos of the day.

Special guests and website launch

A distinguished guest at the event, Sri Kiran Kumar Reddy, Indian Member of Parliament, emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage. A significant moment of the celebration was the official launch of the AAQ website by Sri Kiran Kumar Reddy. Other esteemed guests included Preethi Suraj (President - FICQ), Satya Seelam (President - FTAA), and Rohit on Wheels, among others, whose presence added to the grandeur of the event.

The 2025 Sankranthi celebrations by AAQ were a resounding success, reflecting the multicultural spirit of Brisbane and reinforcing the Telugu community’s deep-rooted connection to its traditions.