NFIW’s Bathukamma celebrations with a twist

Wanaparthy: The National Federation of Indian Women, an organization affiliated with the CPI, hosted a unique Bathukamma celebration at Ambedkar Chowk on Friday. The participants carried three elaborately crafted Bathukammas on their heads in a procession from the CPI office to chowk. Upon reaching the square, they placed the Bathukammas down and engaged in traditional festivities, including playing ‘Boddemma’ (a ritual game), dancing and singing. They danced to revolutionary songs, such as “Chittu Chittula Bomma... Chinnari Muddugumma” and tracks questioning the exploitation of the common people asking, “The food is mine, the clothes are mine; what right do those in the middle have to exploit me?”

The songs also creatively honoured iconic women who are a source of pride for all women, including Chakali Ilamma, Arutla Kamaladevi, Mallu Swarajyam, Indira Gandhi, Savitribai Phule, Molla, and Kalpana Chawla.

Kalavatamma, former NFIW president for the undivided district, and Krishnaveni, district president, urged women to draw inspiration from these figures and strive for their own advancement. Residents watched with great interest as the women and girls sang, played, and danced.

District honorary president Kalavatamma, Krishnaveni, vice-president Jayamma, along with women and student leaders participated.

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The Hans India