Hyderabad: Telangana is set to host grand Bathukamma celebrations from September 21 to 30, blending tradition with modernity and showcasing the state’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao said preparations are underway to hold the festival on a massive scale, with events planned across villages and major urban centres including Hyderabad.
The minister held a review meeting at the Tourism Plaza in Begumpet on Tuesday to discuss arrangements. Acting on Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s directive, he instructed officials to highlight Telangana’s traditions and organise the festivities in a visually impactful manner. He stressed the need for cultural programs at key pilgrimage sites and historical locations across the state.
Bathukamma celebrations Telangana: state-wide events to blend culture, tourism, and ecology
Officials were directed to install Bathukamma-themed displays at tourism hotels, railway and bus stations, airports, universities, and key junctions in Hyderabad. Colleges and universities have also been asked to involve students in the celebrations. District collectors were told to ensure smooth conduct of the events, while cultural troupes will support the programming.
Jupally emphasised that new Bathukamma songs and cultural themes should reflect Telangana’s nature, heritage, and environment. He encouraged people to adopt these as caller tunes and social media statuses. He also stressed the need to avoid waste after the events by reusing flowers and materials to create eco-friendly products.
Full Bathukamma schedule (September 21–30):
Sept 21:
- Morning: Tree planting in Hyderabad outskirts
- Evening: Opening ceremony at Thousand Pillar Temple, Warangal
Sept 22:
- Shilparamam, Hyderabad
- Pillalamarri, Mahbubnagar
Sept 23:
- Buddhavanam, Nagarjuna Sagar (Nalgonda)
Sept 24:
- Kaleshwaram Mukteshwara Temple (Bhupalpally)
- City Center, Karimnagar
Sept 25:
- Bhadrachalam Temple (Kothagudem, Khammam)
- Jogulamba Alampur (Gadwal)
- Bathukamma Art Camp at State Art Gallery (till Sept 29)
Sept 26:
- Ali Sagar Reservoir (Nizamabad)
- Adilabad and Medak
- Morning: Cycle rally at Necklace Road, Hyderabad
Sept 27:
- Morning: Women’s bike rally – Necklace Road, Tank Bund
- Evening: Bathukamma Carnival – IT Corridor, Hyderabad
Sept 28:
- LB Stadium – Guinness World Record attempt with 10,000+ women and a 50-ft Bathukamma
Sept 29:
- People’s Plaza – Bathukamma competitions and Saras Fair
- RWAs and HYSEA (IT associations) – Events in Hyderabad, Rangareddy
Sept 30:
- Tank Bund – Grand Floral Parade, Vintage Car Rally, Bathukamma lighting floats, Ikebana display, 3D laser mapping show at Secretariat
Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, Bhavani Reddy from the Agriculture Commission, Vaishya Corporation Chairperson Kalva Sujatha, and State Art Gallery Director Lakshmi also attended the meeting.
