TG gears up for Atla Bathukamma celebrations

Hyderabad: Colourful flowers, traditional delicacies and devotional folk songs are set to bring Telangana’s neighbourhoods alive on Wednesday as women prepare to celebrate Atla Bathukamma, the fifth day of the state’s iconic nine-day floral festival. Atla Bathukamma holds a special place in Telangana’s cultural traditions, bringing women and young girls together to worship Goddess Gauri and celebrate the bond between nature, family and community. Preparations are gathering momentum in villages, towns and urban neighbourhoods, with seasonal flowers being collected for the occasion.

The highlight of the celebration is the preparation of Bathukamma, a flower arrangement traditionally shaped into a conical stack. Tangedu, Gunugu, chrysanthemum, marigold, hibiscus and pumpkin flowers are among those used to create vibrant layers. Carefully arranged by hand, the floral stacks reflect the beauty of the season and the artistic traditions passed down through generations.

As its name suggests, Atla Bathukamma is associated with “atlu”, or traditional pancakes, prepared as an offering to the goddess. Women prepare wheat atlu or dosas made with rice flour, following local customs and family traditions. The food is offered as “naivedyam” during worship, adding a distinctive culinary element to the day’s celebrations.

Women gather around their floral arrangements to perform rituals, sing traditional Bathukamma songs and participate in rhythmic group dances. Dressed in colourful traditional attire, they celebrate the occasion with devotion and enthusiasm, creating a festive atmosphere across the state. Beyond its religious significance, Bathukamma represents women’s unity, community participation and respect for nature. The festival also plays an important role in preserving Telangana’s folk songs, floral customs and traditional food practices.

For younger generations, the celebrations offer an opportunity to learn about regional heritage and participate in customs that have been preserved over time. Families and communities come together, strengthening social bonds through shared rituals and festivities. Atla Bathukamma forms an important milestone in the nine-day celebrations, which culminate in Saddula Bathukamma. Through its colourful floral arrangements, traditional offerings and collective celebrations, the festival continues to reflect the distinctive cultural identity of Telangana.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gouda Swiyachandra

Gouda Swiyachandra