Wp/efi/Bathukamma Festival

Bathukamma Festival (Floral Festival of Telangana)

Bathukamma is a vibrant and colorful **floral festival celebrated primarily by women** in the Indian state of **Telangana**. It is observed during the **Sharad Navaratri (nine days of autumn)** and culminates just before the **Dussehra (Dasara)** festival. The festival honors **feminine energy, nature, and family well-being**, and is considered a symbol of Telangana's cultural identity.

"Bathukamma" literally means **‘Mother Goddess come alive’**, and refers to both the floral arrangement and the ritual worship around it.

Meaning and Symbolism

The word "Bathukamma" is derived from Telugu:

**Bathuku** = life
**Amma** = mother

Thus, Bathukamma translates to “Mother Goddess of life.” It is both a **deity and a decorated flower stack**, worshipped by women for health, prosperity, and the protection of the family.

The Floral Arrangement

The Bathukamma is a **conical arrangement of flowers**, built tier by tier in a pyramid shape using:

**Tangedu flowers (Cassia auriculata)** – considered sacred
**Gunugu, Banthi (Marigold), Chamanti (Chrysanthemum)** and other seasonal, native wildflowers
A small **clay idol of Goddess Gauri** (Durga) is placed in the center

Women decorate the Bathukamma and place it in the center of their gathering for devotional songs and rituals.

Festival Duration

Bathukamma is celebrated over **nine days**, each day with a unique name and significance: 1. **Engili Pula Bathukamma** 2. **Atkula Bathukamma** 3. **Muddapappu Bathukamma** 4. **Nanaabiyyam Bathukamma** 5. **Atla Bathukamma** 6. **Aligina Bathukamma** 7. **Vepakayala Bathukamma** 8. **Vennamuddala Bathukamma** 9. **Saddula Bathukamma** – The grand finale, celebrated with large public processions and river immersions

Rituals and Celebrations

1. Song and Dance

Women and girls gather in groups around the Bathukamma, singing traditional folk songs that celebrate:

Womanhood and motherhood
Local deities and rivers
Nature and agricultural prosperity

They form a circle and clap hands in rhythm while dancing around the Bathukamma.

2. Immersion Ritual (Nimajjanam)

On the final day (Saddula Bathukamma), the decorated Bathukammas are taken in a grand procession to nearby water bodies (rivers or lakes) and are **ceremonially immersed**, signifying the return of the goddess to nature.

3. Traditional Food

On each day, a different **naivedyam (offering)** is prepared:

Atukulu (flattened rice), muddapappu (lentils), naabiyyam (wet rice), vepakaya kura, etc.

These are offered to Goddess Gauri and then shared as prasadam.

Cultural Significance

Bathukamma represents:

Celebration of **nature and its seasonal bounty**
Honoring the role of **women as nurturers and protectors**
A symbol of **Telangana’s cultural heritage and regional pride**

Environmental and Health Aspects

The flowers used in Bathukamma are all native, wild, and medicinal in nature.
The immersion of bio-degradable flower stacks helps reinforce eco-friendly traditions.

Revival and Popularity

Since the formation of Telangana as a separate state in 2014, Bathukamma has gained state-level prominence:

Declared as **Telangana State Festival**
Celebrated officially across districts and internationally by Telugu diaspora
Special Bathukamma Songs are released annually

References

1. Telangana Government Cultural Portal 2. Deccan Chronicle – “Why Bathukamma is Telangana’s Symbol” (2022) 3. The Hindu – “Colors and Prayers: Bathukamma Begins” (2023) 4. Telugu Academy – School Textbooks on State Culture 5. Telangana Today – “Women’s Pride: The Flower Festival of Telangana”