Bathukamma Festival 2024 – Date, History & Celebration

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Bathukamma Festival 2024

The Bathukamma Festival is one of the most celebrated and colorful festivals in the state of Telangana, India. This floral festival is unique to the region and carries deep cultural significance, particularly for women. Celebrated with vibrant flowers, joyful songs, and communal harmony, Bathukamma symbolizes the beauty of nature and the strength of women. Let’s dive into the details of the Bathukamma Festival 2024, its history, dates, and the various events surrounding the celebration.

Bathukamma Festival 2024

The Bathukamma Festival 2024 will take place during the Navaratri season, usually in September or October, and it lasts for nine days. This traditional festival is especially important for the women of Telangana, where they come together to celebrate the festival by creating beautiful flower arrangements and participating in various communal rituals.

• The festival celebrates the beauty of nature and seasonal flowers.
• It is also a way to offer gratitudeto the goddess for the harvest and to seek blessings for future prosperity.

Bathukamma is a Telugu word in which “Bathuku” (బతుకు) means “life” or “alive.” It signifies vitality and existence. “Amma” (అమ్మ) is a term used in Telugu and many other Indian languages to refer to “mother” or a revered female figure.

All About Bathukamma Festival

Bathukamma is not just a festival; it’s an embodiment of Telangana’s culture, heritage, and agricultural practices. The celebration is characterized by women gathering flowers and arranging them in a beautiful stack, known as Bathukamma. This unique floral structure is made using seasonal flowers that bloom in abundance during this time.

Key Features of the Bathukamma Festival

• Floral Arrangements: Bathukamma is crafted using a variety of flowers such as marigold, chrysanthemum, and jasmine, which are known for their vibrant colors and fragrances.
• Songs and Dances: Women sing traditional folk songs and dance around the Bathukamma, creating an atmosphere of joy and festivity.
• Community Involvement: The festival promotes community bonding as women come together to create the Bathukamma and participate in the rituals.
• Symbolism of Womanhood: Bathukamma signifies the strength and resilience of women, emphasizing their role in society and culture.

Bathukamma Festival 2024 Dates

The Telangana Bathukamma Festival 2024 commences with Chinna Bathukamma on Bhadrapada Amavasya and culminates with Pedda Bathukamma or Saddula Bathukamma on Ashvayuja Ashtami, which is also known as Durgashtami.

• Engili Puvvu Bathukamma / Chinna Bathukamma – October 02nd 
• Atukula Bathukamma – October 03rd
• Muddapuvvu / Muddapappu – October 04th
• Nana Biyyam – October 05th
• Atla Bathukamma – October 06th
• Aligina / Arremu / Alaka – October 07th
• Vepakayala Bathukamma – October 08th
• Venne Muddala Bathukamma – October 09th
• Saddula Bathukamma (Chaddula/Pedda Bathukamma) – October 11th
• Vijayadashami – October 12th

Bathukamma Festival History

The history of the Bathukamma Festival 2024 is steeped in tradition and folklore, dating back several centuries in the Indian state of Telangana. Here is an overview of its historical roots:

• Ancient Origins: Bathukamma’s origins can be traced back to the reign of the Chola Dynasty, which ruled parts of South India in the 3rd century CE. The Bathukamma festival was celebrated even then, making it over a thousand years old.
• Mythological Connection: The word “Bathukamma” is derived from two Telugu words, “Bathuku” meaning “life” and “Amma” meaning “mother.” Bathukamma is essentially a celebration of the Goddess Gauri, who is considered the life-giver.
• Women-Centric Celebration: Bathukamma has always been a women-centric festival. Women of all ages, from young girls to elderly women, actively participate in its rituals and festivities. They would gather, sing songs, and perform dances while creating elaborate floral arrangements.
• Story of Sati: One of the popular legends associated with Bathukamma is the story of Sati, who immolated herself in the fire as an act of devotion to Lord Shiva. After her death, her various body parts fell in different places, and Bathukamma is said to represent her comeback and return to life.
• Cultural Evolution: Over the years, Bathukamma has evolved from a purely agricultural festival into a cultural extravaganza that celebrates the rich traditions and heritage of Telangana. It has become an integral part of the region’s cultural identity.
• Revival and Recognition: In recent decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in Bathukamma, with efforts to revive and promote the festival on a larger scale. The Telangana government has officially recognized Bathukamma as the state festival, further cementing its importance in the state’s cultural calendar.

Also Read: Top 5 Tourist Places to Visit in Telangana 

Bathukamma 9 days names

The nine Bathukamma days of the Bathukamma Festival 2024, hold profound cultural and religious significance in Telangana. Each day is marked by unique rituals and offerings to the goddess. With the Bathukamma information let’s explore the historical and culinary journey of each day:

Day 1 – Engili Puvvula Bathukamma (Chinna Bathukamma)

• This marks the beginning of the Bathukamma festival. On Bhadrapada Amavasya, women gather seasonal flowers and leaves from the fields and gardens to create the Bathukamma floral arrangement. It symbolizes the initiation of the festival’s preparations.
• On the first day, Engili Puvvula Bathukamma, devotees pay homage to their ancestors through food offerings before crafting the Bathukamma.
• Offerings: Rice and sesame seeds.

Day 2 – Atukula Bathukamma

• On the second day, Ashwayuja Padyami the Atukula Bathukamma, sees the offering of flattened rice (Atukulu) as Naivedyam.
• They are offered to the goddess as a symbol of the beginning of the festive feast.
• Offerings: Flattened rice and jaggery.

Day 3 – Muddapuvvu or Muddapappu Bathukamma

• On the third day, Ashwayuja Dwitiya the Muddapuvvu or Muddapappu Bathukamma, the floral arrangement includes Mudda Chamanthi or Mudda Banthi flowers, along with Thangedu Puvvu & Gunaka Puvvu.
• It represents an offering for the well-being and prosperity of the family.
• Offerings: Rice and lentils (dal).

Day 4 – Nanabiyyam Bathukamma

• The fourth day, Ashwayuja Trtiya is the Nanabiyyam Bathukamma, which involves the offering of soaked rice (Nanina Biyyam) and jaggery.
• It signifies the offering of pure and sweet sustenance.
• Offerings: Soaked rice and jaggery.

Day 5 – Atla Bathukamma

• Celebrated on the fifth day, Ashwayuja Chathurthi the Atla Bathukamma features the preparation of special pancakes or Atlu.
• It reinforces the tradition of offering homemade delicacies during the Bathukamma festival.
• Offerings: Dosa or roti.

Day 6 – Aligina or Arremu or Alaka Bathukamma

• On the sixth day, Ashwayuja Panchami is the  Aligina or Arremu or Alaka Bathukamma, and doesn’t involve Naivedyam preparation as it is believed that Goddess Gowri was hurt.
• On this day, smaller Bathukammas are created using leftover flowers from the previous days. 
• These smaller Bathukammas are then immersed in water bodies, symbolizing the return of the goddess to nature.

Day 7 – Vepakayala Bathukamma

• On the seventh day, Ashwayuja Sashti is the Vepakayala Bathukamma, Naivedyam is offered in the form of Vepakaya (Nim/Neem Fruit).
• These dishes are considered cleansing and are offered to purify the body and soul.
• Offerings: Sakinala Pindi in the shape of Neem Fruits.

Day 8 – Venna Muddala Bathukamma

• On the eighth day, Ashwayuja Sapthami is the Venna Muddala Bathukamma, which features Naivedyam offerings with butter.
• Offerings: Sesame seeds, jaggery, ghee, and butter balls.

Day 9 – Saddula Bathukamma (Chaddula/Pedda Bathukamma)

• On the last day Ashwayuja Ashtami (Durga Ashtami) the grand culmination, Saddula Bathukamma or Pedda Bathukamma, is celebrated on the ninth day with a larger floral arrangement.
• It is the most significant and colorful part of the Bathukamma festival 2024, symbolizing the goddess’s return to nature.
• Offerings: Five types of rice and one sweet dish.
  
  • Curd Rice
  • Lemon Rice
  • Tamarind Rice
  • Tamarind Rice with Coconut Powder
  • Tamarind Rice with Sesame Seed Powder
  • Malleda (Balls made with chapati and sugar)

These offerings are common, but there may be regional variations in the types of foods offered during the Bathukamma Festival 2024. Regardless, these nine days are a time of cultural richness and spiritual devotion, celebrating the goddess and the harvest season.

Saddula Bathukamma Festival Date

Saddula Bathukamma, also known as the final day of the Bathukamma Festival, will be celebrated on October 11, 2024. This day holds special significance as women prepare elaborate offerings and immerse the Bathukamma in nearby water bodies, symbolizing the return of the goddess to her heavenly abode.

Significance of Saddula Bathukamma:

• The culmination of Celebrations: It marks the end of the nine-day festival.
• Water Immersion Ritual: Women immerse the Bathukamma in water, symbolizing the cycle of life and nature.

Bathukamma Festival Celebrations in Telangana

The Telangana Bathukamma Festival 2024 is one of the most vibrant and culturally significant celebrations in the Indian state of Telangana. The festival typically lasts for nine days and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur. Here’s an overview of the Bathukamma Festival 2024 celebrations in Telangana:

Preparation and Floral Arrangement: The Bathukamma Festival 2024 begins with the gathering of seasonal flowers and leaves from fields, gardens, and wild areas. Women and girls come together to create a colorful and intricate floral arrangement called “Bathukamma.” This arrangement is the centerpiece of the festival.

Nine Days of Rituals: Each of the nine days of the Bathukamma festival 2024 has a specific name and ritual associated with it. Devotees perform various rituals, including prayers, songs, and dances around the Bathukamma. The rituals are dedicated to the goddess Gauri, who represents life and nature.

Cultural Extravaganza: Telangana festival Bathukamma is not just about flowers and rituals; it’s a cultural extravaganza. Throughout the Bathukamma festival 2024, there are performances of traditional Telugu folk songs and dances. Women, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, participate in group dances like the Bathukamma dance, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Traditional Cuisine: The Bathukamma Festival 2024 is also a time to savor traditional Telugu cuisine. Special dishes are prepared and offered to the goddess as Naivedyam (food offerings). These dishes include sweets like bobbatlu and savory items like atlu (dosas).

Community Bonding: Bathukamma fosters a sense of community and togetherness. Women of all ages come together to create Bathukammas, sing songs, dance, and pray. It’s a time for families and friends to unite, reinforcing social bonds.

Environmental Awareness: Bathukamma promotes environmental consciousness. The use of seasonal flowers and organic materials in the floral arrangement is not only visually stunning but also eco-friendly. After the Bathukamma festival 2024, the flowers are traditionally immersed in water bodies, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Tourist Attraction: Bathukamma has gained popularity as a tourist attraction. People from different parts of India and around the world visit Telangana to witness the grandeur of the celebrations and experience the unique culture of the region. You can easily book your bus tickets on AbhiBus and visit various places in Telangana during this period.

Empowerment of Women: The Bathukamma Festival 2024 celebrates womanhood and empowers women to take the lead in cultural and religious activities. Women play a central role in the creation and worship of Bathukamma.

Culmination: The Bathukamma 2024 End date is on 11th October 2024, Sunday which is the grand ending of the Bathukamma Festival 2024, known as Saddula Bathukamma or Pedda Bathukamma. On this day, the Bathukammas are immersed in local water bodies, symbolizing the goddess’s return to nature.

In conclusion, the Bathukamma Festival 2024 in Telangana is a spectacular celebration of culture, nature, and community. It is a testament to the rich heritage and traditions of the region and serves as a beautiful expression of gratitude to the goddess for her blessings. 

Bathukamma 2024 start and end date

The Bathukamma Festival i2024 started on October 2 and will end on October 11. The dates may vary slightly each year depending on the lunar calendar, but the essence and significance of the festival remain the same.

Chinna Bathukamma 2024

Chinna Bathukamma, celebrated on the second day of the festival, focuses on smaller floral arrangements. In 2024, this day fell on October 2.

Activities During Chinna Bathukamma:

• Small Gatherings: Women create smaller Bathukamma structures, often at home or in their neighborhoods.
• Singing and Dancing: The festivities include singing folk songs and dancing around the Chinna Bathukamma.
• Offerings to the Goddess: Devotees make offerings of sweets and fruits to the goddess.

Pedda Bathukamma 2024 Date

Pedda Bathukamma celebrated on the eighth day of the festival, is an elaborate event. In 2024, Pedda Bathukamma was celebrated on October 11.

Features of Pedda Bathukamma:

• Larger Floral Arrangements: This day features bigger and more intricate Bathukamma designs, showcasing creativity.
• Public Celebrations: Many communities organize larger gatherings, often in public spaces or temples.
• Culmination of the Festival: Pedda Bathukamma leads to the final day of celebrations, where women immerse the Bathukamma in water.

Here are some of the FAQs on the Bathukamma Festival 2024