TDF-DC chapter celebrates Bathukamma in Washington

Sept 30 - 2006

Bathukamma, a festival unique to the Telangana region, celebrates life and the elements of nature that preserve it. It is celebrated for nine days culminating in Saddula Bathukamma two days preceding Dasara. In an effort to bring 'Bathukamma' back to the lives of Telanganites here in the Washington area, Bathukamma celebrations were organized by the Telangana Development Forum (TDF), DC chapter in the Lake Fairfax Park of Virginia. The park proved a perfect venue for this celebration with a beautiful lake at the center of it. More than 200 people were present and it was clear from the faces of everyone present that inspite of being thousands of miles away from home, there was no stopping the celebration of a festival everyone so fondly remembers.

Bathukamma celebrates life and the primary source of it - water. Rural Telangana, a land of farmers mostly, depends on the monsoons and waits eagerly for the rains. Bathukamma is celebrated in the latter half of the monsoon season, after the rains have left the ponds full and flowers blooming with life. Women sing and dance around the 'Bathukammas', invoking the blessings of various goddesses. Women then immerse the 'Batukammas' in ponds after due celebrations. Apart from being one of the fewest festivals today that celebrates nature, 'Bathukamma' represents the true cultural spirit of Telangana. The festival is an icon of Telangana that we all as Telanganites are extremely proud of.

The turnout in the morning was light as a result of rain, but as the day progressed, more and more people showed up enthusiastic to celebrate a festival that is so unique to Telanganites. Madhu Reddy, the president of TDF, and senior members Murali Chintalapani and Indrasena Reddy gave us all a pleasant surprise by joining in from New Jersey. People brought different kind of rice items (Saddulu), which everyone immensely enjoyed. A mention must be made of the delicious dishes that were brought in by families. People began to warm up to each other by informally introducing themselves to each other while having food and trying to get to know each other better. This celebration provided a great platform for people to interact and enjoy stories from back home.

Later during the day, children and women enjoyed a few good games of musical chairs, running competitions etc. Prizes were awarded to the kids by elders, Linga Rao Peechara, Raji Reddy Singi Reddy and Kishan Medhavarapu. One of TDF's objectives is to cultivate in today's generation respect and pride in being a Telanganite and this celebration was a way of doing that.

More than 20 'Bathukammas' of various sizes, made from local flowers were brought by people, each looking beautiful and unique in its own way. One ‘Bathukamma’ made by Neelima and group stood two feet tall and personified the grandiose of the “Capital City”. Celebrations began with women performing Gauri pooja. With songs like 'Bathukamma Bathukamma Uyyalo' playing, women danced around the 'Batukammas' for more than an hour, seldom taking a break!.Susheela pitched in with beautiful Bathukammas songs. The music and the ambience brought back fond memories to all of us present. The spirit of Telangana reflected throughout the celebrations from the food, the music to the people who participated in the event.

Towards the end of the day, everyone gathered to immerse the 'Batukammas' into the lake, which felt like the local 'cheruvus' in any Telangana village. Songs were sung as the 'Batukammas' were lowered into the lake. After the immersion, prasadam was distributed to everyone. People gathered around for a session of photographs. Dr.Prasad distributed the prizes for the best “Bathukammas” of the day.

Madhu Reddy spoke about the unique culture of 'Telangana' and encouraged everyone to participate in the events following ('Sankranthi' and 'Ugadi') . Shwetha , Sharmishta , Ravi , Rajesh Badam. Kalyan Muddasani, Ramakanth Peechara, Rajesh Madi Reddy, Chaitanya Kommidi and Pratap Singireddy were key volunteers to make this event possible. Though held for the first time in the Capital city, the event proved to be a grand success.