The Bay Area Telugu Association (BATA) celebrated “Deepavali” in Milpitas, California, on October 12. The Bay Area Telugu community came out in droves to participate in BATA’s flagship event, featuring a performance by legendary mridangam exponent Padma Shri Dr Yella Venkateshwar Rao.

People celebrate a puja ceremony at Deepavali
Members of the Bay Area Telugu community celebrate Deepavali in Milpitas (image source: BATA)

India’s San Francisco Consul General Dr.Srikar Reddy lit the lamp, an event that was livestreamed in New York’s Times Square, followed by dance performances featuring more than 100 children.

Children participating in an Indian dance performance
Children participating in an Indian dance performance at the BATA Deepavali celebration (image source: BATA)
Performiners of trandional Indian dance and music line up onstage at a Deepavali function
Performers at the BATA Deepavali celebrations in Milpitas (image source: BATA)

Vendor booths showcased traditional clothing and jewelry, as well as real estate, financial, educational, and health care services.

Performers doing an Indian dance
Dancers performing at the Deepavali festival in Milpitas (image source: BATA)

Among the sponsors for the event were community members and local businesses, including Sanjiv Gupta (CPA), Nagaraj Anniah, Srini Goli Real Estates, PNG Jewelers, Insta Service, and Shika Kapoor & Aspora.

An Indian dance performance
Festival goers were treated to traditional dance performances at the Deepavali event in Milpitas (image source: BATA)

The event was also supported by “ పాఠశాల “ (Paatasala Telugu School), Virijallu radio, and the Raja Rani Bakery. The  BATA president, Siva Kada, recognized the hard work of the BATA volunteers and organizing committees in making the event a success.


Performers on stage doing an Indian dance
Members of Bay Area’s Telugu community participate in a performance at BATA’s Deepavali event in Milpitas (image source: BATA)