Hyderabad: The Saddula Bathukamma festivities in Hyderabad ended on a grand note at Tank Bund on Tuesday. Thousands of women gathered under government arrangements and celebrated the floral festival with traditional fervour.
Women dressed in festive attire played Bathukamma with decorated stacks of seasonal flowers. They offered the first prayers near the Martyrs’ Memorial before moving in a colourful rally towards Tank Bund Bathukamma Ghat. Moreover, the rally featured 700 Bathukammas, turning the lakeside into a vibrant spectacle.
Cultural shows and laser lights draw crowds
Over 500 artistes staged cultural performances that impressed the crowds. Meanwhile, the sound of drums and Bathukamma songs echoed across Tank Bund, filling the atmosphere with festive rhythm. In addition, a laser light show added a modern touch and attracted strong applause from spectators.
Leaders join celebrations
The celebrations drew several leaders and officials, including TPCC chief Mahesh Kumar Goud, ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, Jupally Krishna Rao, Konda Surekha, Seethakka, MP Anil Yadav, Hyderabad Collector Harichandan, Deputy Mayor Mothe Srilatha, and others.
Minister Konda Surekha said she had been part of Bathukamma since childhood and described this year’s event as historic. Furthermore, she noted that Bathukamma became a people’s festival after the formation of Telangana. She explained that efforts to showcase the festival worldwide stemmed from the desire to secure recognition in the Guinness Book.
Festival as cultural identity
The minister praised everyone who worked to popularise Bathukamma. Notably, she stressed that the tradition of worshipping flowers belongs uniquely to Telangana and does not exist elsewhere. She added that women celebrated the festival joyfully for nine days. Therefore, she urged the younger generation not to adapt Western culture for Bathukamma but to honour the festival in traditional form.
