Hyderabad: The nine-day annual festival of flowers, Bathukamma, commenced with vibrant celebrations across the city on Wednesday. Women of all ages adorned in their finest traditional attire marked the first day of Engilipula Bathukamma by clapping and dancing to lively folk songs in reverence to the Goddess. They gathered in various residential colonies, parks, and temple premises, circling around conical-shaped idols of Bathukamma crafted from diverse species of flowers and leaves, honoring the deity.
The festivities will culminate with ‘Saddula Bathukamma’ on October 10. This festival not only celebrates cultural heritage but also embodies Telangana’s rich traditions and communal harmony. “This year, we aim to celebrate with even more enthusiasm and creativity, presenting flowers in various shapes,” shared Sravani, a resident of Kukatpally. “What makes our community celebration unique is its inclusivity; it’s open to everyone, not just our colony members. This fosters engagement in cultural dances and builds connections that extend beyond our immediate circle. While only our members celebrated on the first day, we’ve invited several local leaders to join us for the remaining festivities,” added Durga Rao, a Secunderabad resident.
