Bathukamma Festival

Bathukamma is festival of flowers in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh – India. This festival is celebrated on Durgashtami – 8th day of Ashwayuja masam (month). The festival starts on the last day of Bhadrapada masam, that is on Amavasya which is also known as 'pithru amavasya'. From that day onwards women will make Bathukamma with flowers, join in groups in the evening and keep all Bathukammas in the centre and go round it with rhythmic clapping of hands and singing songs. On the last day – ninth day that is Durgashtami, a big Bathukamma and a small Bathukamma is made. In the morning Goddess Kali is worshipped and in the evening women join in groups and go to a nearby temple and play Bathukamma singing songs and going round the Bathukammas with rhythmic clapping of hands. After that they offer pasupu (turmeric) and kumkum to one another and offer prasadam of sattu pindi (roasted and powdered corns mixed with sugar or jaggery).
This festival is specific to Telangana region. In Warangal district it is celebrated with fervour. In Hanamkonda region most of them go to Padmakshi temple to play. The other important temples are Thousand pillars temple and Bhadrakali temple. There are many other small temples where woman in the nearby locality will visit to play. After playing usually the Bathukammas are left in the water, tank or lake near the temple or else just leave to a side in the temple premises. People believe that celebration of this festival will bring peace and prosperity to the family and long life to the husband of the woman.

Success in Life

A good book is a good friend. I even read that there is nothing like a good book or bad book. Every book will have something to teach us. My favorite pastime is reading books. Books are my best companions. When ever I am troubled I take refuge in reading. They always provide consolation and a way out of troubled waters.
Life is like a river. It flows till it enters the sea. On the way to sea it carries things added to it for sometime. Some things may move along with it until it reaches the sea. On its course it may often face obstacles like huge rocks. Then the waters may get turbulent and in no time the waters divert their way and go on their long journey to reach the destination. In our life we have aim to achieve things. In achieving it often we have to face obstacles. Some incidents in the family or around us may make us distressed and pessimistic for a while. But, if will is strong we can get over it and work towards the goal.
I believe, I believe, in Almighty the Universally pervading ‘Cosmic’ energy. Every thought of ours will be reflected here in the Universe and every prayer will be answered. Only requirement is we should have faith, 100% faith in that Cosmic Energy. Every religion says and believes that when sincerely prayed, they are always answered.
I was reading a book by Swami Ranganadanand. He is a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa. It is a book on Upanishads. In that in explaining the interest of Nachiketa to gain knowledge about life and death from God Yama (God of Death), he writes about ‘priyam’ (allurement) and ‘shreyam’ (benefit). These are talked in the context of spiritual knowledge, but can be applied to our daily life.
“‘Priyam’ will give immediate pleasure and benefit. It is highly tempting and provides instant happiness. But the pleasure and benefit is only short lived. If we want ‘shreyam’ initially there will be problems. But the benefit is forever. Outwardly it may not be obvious, it will be concealed, like shells can float on the surface of the sea but pearls are hidden deep in the sea.” - Sri Ramakrishna.
To lose is to gain. ‘kuch pane ke liye kuch kona hai’. Every philosophy says there is no short cut to achievement. To put in efforts is must. When the sea was churned (Hindu Mythology - Samudra mathanam) the first thing that was obtained was ‘garalamu’ poison. After wards one after other riches were gained. ‘Amrutum’ nectar was the last thing to acquire. So to achieve a goal continuous efforts are essential. Initially problems may arise and dishearten. But where there is a will there is a way. Planned perseverance is the secret of success.
Our wishes are always granted. Only thing is we do not realize that we ourselves have asked sometime within our limited knowledge under the influence of allurement. Jesus Christ has said “You ask it will be given. Search, you will find it. Knock, the door it will be opened. Every one who asks will be given; whoever searches will find it. For everybody who knocks the (door) it will be opened.
“yathbhadram thannasuva” (grant us that which is good for us)