Bathukamma - 17

women playing at Padmakshi gutta

Today is 'Saddula Bathukamma',  a festival of flowers unique to Telangana state.  This festival is celebrated with pomp and gaiety.  The festival starts on 'pettaramasa', the new moon day, a day before the start of 'Aswayuja' month of Telugu calendar. Every day floral batukamma is made put in the centre and women of all ages gather and play going around  it in circle.  As they play they sing songs.  On the ninth day i.e., eighth day of Ashwayuja bathukammas are made big.  

Traditionally bathukamma is carried on head

Whenever bathukamma is made a big(talli - mother) one and small one - 'pilla (child) bathukamma' is made.  The big one is carried by mother or elder woman in the family and the small by the daughter or children.  

Mother and child carrying bathukamma

First bathukamma is played at home and then all the women and girl children in the locality will go to nearby pond, lake, tank or temple and play in groups singing songs. The play is generally by clapping hands and going round the bathukammas that are placed in the centre.  Sometimes 'kolatam' is played.  After playing bathukammas are left in water so that it floats on water. 

Bathukamma being put in the pond at Padmakshi gutta, Hanamkonda

When Telangana was merged with Andhra, in old Andhra Pradesh this festival was never recognised as important cultural event of Telangana people.  During Telangana agitation 'Bathukamma' was made symbolic of Telangana people and region and brought unity among people.  Credit should be given to Kalvakuntla Kavitha the founder and president of Telangana Jagruti for taking this festival to the international level.  

When bathukamma is too big and heavy it is brought on vehicle or men will carry it to spot where women play

Male member in the family or a worker will carry when bathukamma is heavy

Since the formation of Telangana, the government is taking special interest to promote this festival as traditional and cultural event. But the changes that are slowly creeping in are making it more artificial.  The introduction of DJ songs though sound like bathukamma songs, the content is changing to cinematic songs and also the traditional play is transforming into different steps as in Indian movie songs.  

Young and old enjoy the festival.  Members of three generations seen together

Today when I have gone to Padmakshi gutta to enjoy the festival listening to women singing songs, I was disappointed.  Records are put and women had to just listen and go round bathukammas. Some were trying to sing but could not continue as sound of records was very loud.  I heard many people having this complaint.  I hope next year we will have traditional songs and bathukamma play.  That will encourage women to learn traditional songs and sing.  This art of singing bathukamma songs should never be allowed to die in the name modernity and DJ bathukamma songs. 

As Padmakshi gutta will be flooded by women on Saddulu, men are not allowed near the play area.  They have to wait outside taking care of children.  Here a grand father seen taking care of his grand children.  Boy is seen carrying his mother's bag