As the winter approaches, the women of Telangana pay floral tributes to Mother Nature in a unique way.
Bathukamma is a celebration of the intrinsic bond between earth, water, and humankind. Observed according to the Satavahana calendar, the nine-day festival begins on Bhadrapada Purnima (also known as Mahalaya Amavasya or Pitru Amavasya) and concludes on Durgashtami, typically falling in September or October.
Each day of Bathukamma carries a distinct name and significance — marking stages of devotion, harvest, and togetherness.
More than a festival, Bathukamma stands as a vibrant emblem of Telangana’s cultural identity and feminine spirit. Women from all walks of life come together to handcraft stunning floral stacks — intricate arrangements symbolising gratitude and reverence for nature. The air fills with music, rhythmic clapping, and traditional songs, creating a mosaic of joy, unity, and spiritual energy. This year, Telangana witnessed a record-breaking celebration: a 63-foot-tall Bathukamma, crafted with 13 tonnes of flowers, entered the Guinness World Records, becoming a proud symbol of the State’s collective devotion and creativity. Women, transcending boundaries of caste, creed, religion, or nationality, gathered in large numbers to mark the occasion with unmatched zeal and enthusiasm.
For farmers, the season brought brisk activity as they supplied vast quantities of marigold, a key flower in Bathukamma arrangements. Yet, with demand soaring beyond supply, artificial flowers also made an appearance.
Bathukamma thus continues to bloom, a living expression of Telangana’s reverence for nature, its spirit of community, and its celebration of womanhood.
Photo:
Nagara Gopal
Rhythm of tradition: Young women mark the first day of Bathukamma, dancing to folk songs that celebrate the spirit and identity of Telangana.
Photo:
Nagara Gopal
On the move: A woman transports her intricately arranged Bathukamma in a car through the streets of Kukatpally.
Photo:
Nagara Gopal
Vibrant blossoms: Bathukammas crafted from layers of flowers are placed on the ground as women perform traditional dances and sing festive songs.
Photo:
Nagara Gopal
Joyful gathering: Decked in finery and bearing baskets of flowers, women gather at the Bhagya Lakshmi Temple near Charminar.
Photo:
NAGARA GOPAL
Golden harvest: Farmers harvest fields of marigold cultivated for the Bathukamma festival on the outskirts of Hyderabad.
Photo:
Nagara Gopal
Final offering: On the last day of the festival, women gather at Hyderabad’s Tank to bid farewell to the goddess.
Photo:
Nagara Gopal
Rainbow circle: Women come together to celebrate the festival with songs, dance, and stacks of flowers.
Photo:
Nagara Gopal
Floral marvel: On the penultimate day of the festival, a 63-foot-tall floral arrangement made of 10.7 tonnes of flowers stacked in 11 layers was unveiled at Saroornagar Indoor Stadium, setting a Guinness World Record. It took the work of 300 people arranging the flowers over three days.
Photo:
Nagara Gopal
Building bridges: In the backdrop of Telangana Martyrs’ memorial, women share the festival spirit.
Photo:
Nagara Gopal
Parting petals: Women bring their Bathukammas to Kukatpally Lake in Hyderabad for immersion, marking the festival’s closing.
Published – October 19, 2025 10:44 am IST
