Telangana begins nine-day Bathukamma flower festival

Bathukamma celebrations began on October 10 in India’s Telangana state. Women gathered at the Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanumakonda with tiered arrangements of seasonal flowers.

Participants sang folk songs, clapped and danced around floral offerings to Goddess Gauramma. The Hindu and local outlet Aakeru News reported the opening celebrations at the temple. The Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation prepared the venue for the events.

In Hyderabad, celebrations took place at Ravindra Bharathi and Shilparamam. This year’s nine-day cycle runs from October 10 to 18, culminating in Saddula Bathukamma. Dasara falls on October 20.

The floral arrangements are assembled in concentric layers on brass plates. They use tangedu, gunugu, marigolds and chrysanthemums. The tapering shape resembles a temple tower and reflects the festival’s connection to nature and seasonal flowering.

Each day has its own name and food offerings. Hanumakonda resident V. Aruna described the cycle as beginning with Engili Pula Bathukamma. Atukula, Muddapappu, Nanabiyyam, Atla, Aligina, Vepakayala and Vennamuddala Bathukamma follow, before the final Saddula Bathukamma.

The festival also provides an occasion for family gatherings. Women visit their parental homes and celebrate with relatives and neighbours. Meetings featuring songs, dances and flower offerings will continue across the state in the coming days.