Bathukamma festival is one of the most colorful and vibrant festivals of Telangana State, celebrated during the month of September/October every year. It is a 9-day long festival, where women gather to worship the goddess Gauri.
The festival is a symbol of Telangana’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal across the state. Learn more about bathukamma festival, about the history behind this festival, its significance, traditions and rituals, and how it is celebrated in Telangana.
The History and Importance of Bathukamma Festival
Bathukamma is derived from two words – ‘Bathuku’ meaning ‘life’ and ‘Amma’ meaning ‘mother goddess’.
According to traditional belief, the festival is celebrated to thank mother nature for providing a good harvest. Bathukamma is essentially a prayer to the goddess Gauri, who is believed to be the embodiment of Mother Earth.
It is said that the goddess comes to visit her people during this auspicious time in the form of an offering or bathukamma – a beautiful arrangement of flowers.
The Traditions and Rituals of Bathukamma
The festival preparations begin a week in advance, where women gather colorful flowers from their gardens and make unique and intricate arrangements of them in various shapes and sizes. The flower arrangement is then placed on a brass plate alongside lighted lamps and puja essentials. These are carried in a procession to local lakes, rivers, and canals where they are offered to the goddess. The women dance around the floral arrangement, singing folk songs and hymns.
Bathukamma Festival 9 days Names
The festival of Bathukamma lasts for nine days, with each day having its own significance. The first day is called Engili Pula Bathukamma, where women collect the leaves of the Engili Puvvu tree. Each day is dedicated to a different flower, and the women prepare floral arrangements for the goddess with that particular flower. The last day is called Saddula Bathukamma, where the women walk in a procession, carrying their floral offerings and placing them in the center.
Here’s the each day name:
- Engili Pula Bathukamma
- Atkula Bathukamma
- Muddapappu Bathukamma
- Nanabiyyam Bathukamma
- Atla Bathukamma
- Aligina Bathukamma
- Vepakayala Bathukamma
- Vennamuddala Bathukamma
- Saddula Bathukamma
Modern Bathukamma Celebrations
Over the years, Bathukamma has become a symbol of Telangana culture and pride.
Today, the festival is celebrated with more pomp and grandeur than ever before. People from all walks of life come together to enjoy the festival with their families, friends, and neighbors. Apart from traditional rituals, modern cultural programs, dance competitions, and sports competitions are also held during the festival.
The modern celebration of Bathukamma has seen a resurgence of excitement and enthusiasm around the festival.
From colorful gatherings in parks to large-scale festivities in community spaces, it’s become a vibrant celebration that has been embraced by both Hindus and non-Hindus alike. As part of this renewed focus on the event, some larger organisations have developed events such as Bathukamma fests which aim to bring together people of all religions and backgrounds in celebration.
Other modern celebrations include the traditional saree competitions, flower petal competitions and music concerts that are often put on by local organisations. These can really add to the atmosphere of the festival with engaging activities for everyone to participate in! No matter how you choose to celebrate Bathukamma, it’s important to remember the spiritual significance of this event and to respect the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
In many cities throughout India, there are dedicated Bathukamma festivals held annually that attract large crowds from all walks of life. Whether you’re Hindu or not, these events provide a great opportunity to experience the beauty of Bathukamma and celebrate its importance in Hindu culture.
From traditional dances like garba and dandiya to performances featuring classical instruments such as tabla and sitar, the music and dancing at these festivals can be truly mesmerizing. And of course, there’s plenty of delicious food on offer too!
Bathukamma Festival Date
Bathukamma is a vibrant floral festival that takes place in Telangana. The festival is celebrated by the womenfolk of the state with the exotic flowers that are native to the area. Through the years, the event has evolved into a representation of the culture and identity of Telangana.
The arrival of Bathukamma marks the end of the monsoon season and ushers in the start of the winter season.
Regarding the Bathukamma festival date 2023, the festival starts on 14 October 2023 and ends on 23 October 2023.
As it is a popular festival in Telangana, and the first day is a public holiday. The festival ends on Durgashtami- which is again a holiday and falls two days before Vijayadashami or Dussehra.
Conclusion
Bathukamma is a celebration that exemplifies the rich and colorful culture of Telangana in all of its splendor and vitality.
Each and every year, the holiday is observed with a great deal of fervor, togetherness, and dedication. It affords us the chance to connect with mother nature and express our gratitude to her for the plethora of blessings that she has showered upon us as a result of her generosity.
The people of Telangana are brought closer together by the emblem of Bathukamma, which represents hope, love, and harmony.
