Hyderabad: The Telangana government resolved to project the Bathukamma festival on the global stage once again. Minister Jupally Krishna Rao announced that on September 28, the state would host a 63-foot Bathukamma at LB Stadium with 10,000 participants to secure a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
The minister described Bathukamma as a symbol of Telangana’s pride and distinct cultural identity. He emphasised that the festivities would run from September 21 to 30. Calling for wide participation, he urged women to join in large numbers and display the spirit of Bathukamma before the world.
Guinness record attempt for Bathukamma festival, Telangana culture
The celebrations will begin on September 21 at the Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal. From September 22 to 26, the programme will move across two districts each day. Later, from September 27 to 30, Hyderabad will host large-scale events.
Krishna Rao said poets and writers had been invited to compose new Bathukamma songs. He noted that festival venues would receive special decorations, while the airport would also highlight Telangana culture. Moreover, contests would be organised during the celebrations and prizes would be awarded. He advised women to immerse Bathukammas in water bodies after play rather than abandon them in public spaces.
Leaders extend support to festival programmes
TPCC chief Mahesh Kumar Goud welcomed the government’s decision to conduct the festival in traditional style. He confirmed that saree distribution would begin soon and promised quality material. Furthermore, he directed party cadres to work with officials during the nine-day festival, from Engili Puvvu to Saddula Bathukamma. He stressed that the event should go beyond politics and truly reflect cultural values.
Former MP V. Hanumantha Rao recalled his long battle to reclaim Bathukamma Kunta from encroachment. He said the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority restored the site after Chief Minister Revanth Reddy intervened. Consequently, he announced a large-scale Bathukamma celebration there on September 25. However, he criticised the previous government for failing to protect the water body.
Review meeting finalises Bathukamma arrangements
Corporation chairperson Kalva Sujatha, leaders Kailash, Indira Shobhan and Saritha Yadav attended the review meeting at Gandhi Bhavan. They joined Krishna Rao, Goud and Hanumantha Rao to finalise arrangements. In addition, party representatives said coordination with officials would continue until the close of the festivities.
