Hyderabad: The Saddula Bathukamma celebrations at Tank Bund were a grand spectacle, with hundreds of artists performing traditional art forms. Despite the rain, many women from both the city and nearby districts came together to play Bathukamma, a key festival for the women of Telangana.
The Telangana government made extensive arrangements for the event. The entire stretch from Telangana Amara Jyothi at the Secretariat to Tank Bund was beautifully decorated and illuminated. Performances by artists showcasing various folk arts from Telangana added to the event’s vibrancy. The reflections of Hussain Sagar’s waters, combined with fireworks and lighting, created a stunning visual experience.
Women and Child Welfare Minister Seethakka was the chief guest of the event. Other notable attendees included Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, Deputy Mayor Mothe Srilatha Reddy, Principal Secretary of Tourism A Vani Prasad, folk singer Vimalakka, MLC M Kodandaram, and several corporators.
During her speech, Minister Seethakka encouraged women to promote Telangana’s major festival globally. She emphasized the connection between flowers used in the festival and water bodies, explaining that the flowers have medicinal properties that help cleanse lakes, a fact supported by scientific research. She also urged the importance of passing down Bathukamma traditions to future generations.
Folk singer Vimalakka praised Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s efforts to protect water bodies. She highlighted that Bathukamma transcends caste and religion, linking the festival closely with lakes. She also stressed the need for active public participation in state initiatives, including the rejuvenation of water bodies and the HYDRA project.
