Bathukamma

What is Bathukamma?

Bathukamma is a floral arrangement made by stacking seasonal flowers in seven layers, forming a shape that resembles a temple tower or gopuram. The flowers are arranged on a wide plate, and a small turmeric idol representing the goddess is placed on top. Women and girls gather in traditional dress, place their Bathukamma in the center, and move in a circle, singing folk songs and clapping. The arrangements use a mix of wild and cultivated flowers, many with local significance.

Where does Bathukamma come from?

Bathukamma is rooted in the traditions of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with several legends explaining its beginnings. One story links the festival to the grief of Goddess Parvati after the removal of a sacred Shivalinga from Vemulavada, while another legend ties it to the wish for the return of Goddess Sati as Parvati. The festival also commemorates the nine days of Goddess Durga's struggle against the demon Mahishasura. Over time, Bathukamma has become a symbol of regional identity and the celebration of life and femininity.

How Bathukamma is made

Preparation begins with gathering flowers from the wild and fields, such as celosia, marigold, and lotus. Women trim the flowers, sometimes dipping celosia in colors, and arrange them in layers on a plate or bamboo frame, tapering to a peak. A turmeric idol is placed on top. Each day of the festival features a different food offering, prepared mainly by young girls and women. On the final day, the Bathukamma is immersed in water, symbolizing farewell to the goddess.

When and where Bathukamma is used

Bathukamma is celebrated for nine days, starting on Mahalaya Amavasya and ending on Durga Ashtami. Women gather each evening to sing, dance, and pray around their floral arrangements. Each day has a special food offering, and the festival ends with the immersion of Bathukamma in local water bodies. The event brings communities together and marks the start of the Sharad season.

Forms of Bathukamma

Each day of Bathukamma has a unique name and food offering, such as Engili pula Bathukamma and Saddula Bathukamma. The types of flowers and food can vary by locality and availability. The festival is most prominent in Telangana, but is also observed in some parts of Andhra Pradesh, with regional differences in songs, attire, and rituals.

What Bathukamma means

Bathukamma is a key part of Telangana's cultural identity, especially since the state's formation in 2014. It celebrates womanhood, community, and the connection between people and nature. The festival has set Guinness World Records for the largest Bathukamma floral decoration and the largest synchronized dance. It is a time for traditional dress, music, and folk arts, and is closely linked to Hindu worship of the goddess.

The flowers of Bathukamma

ChrysanthemumAutumn-blooming flower with thousands of varieties, cherished in East Asia and beyondSacred lotusThe pink aquatic flower sacred in Asia and grown for food, worship and beautyMarigoldA group of bright annual and perennial flowers known worldwide as marigoldsLotusAquatic plants with large, round leaves and striking flowers called lotusCalendulaGolden daisy-like flowers used in food, dye, and ritualsCelosiaFlame-like flowers grown for food and garden colourSilver sennaA yellow-flowered shrub native to dry regions of AustraliaChrysanthemum japonenseA white-flowered perennial daisy native to coastal Shikoku, Japan

Traditions that use it

Days and festivals

Questions people ask about Bathukamma

Good reading and sources

• Jataras, a getaway from daily grindThe Hindu, Article

• Bathukamma on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data