Bathukamma Panduga – Divine Festival of Telangana Region
Posted on September 26, 2008 in Festivals by naveen
‘Bathukamma Panduga’ (Bathukamma festival) is the most divine and most celebrated festival of Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. ‘Bathuku’ means the life and Amma means the Mother. On a whole, it is a festival to worship the ‘Life Giver’, the universal energy - Goddess Shakti. Bathukamma represents the glory of the Patron Goddess of womanhood – Maha Gauri Devi.
What is Bathukamma ?
Bathukamma is made up of seven concentric layers of flowers that are arranged in a pyramid shape. As it is a festival of women, they dance around it. The synchronizing steps along with singing Bathukamma Paatalu (Songs - praising Bathukamma) make everyone to feel the vibrant mood of Telangana women.
When is Bathukamma Panduga?
Bathukamma festival is celebrated for nine days during Durga Navratri. It starts on the day of Aswayuja Padyami (Prathami) and ends on Maha Navami. On Maha Navami, the closing ceremony of Bathukamma panduga is celebrated as a great festival – Pedda Bathukamma (Saddula Bathukamma).
When is Bathukamma Panduga In 2008?
In 2008, Bathukamma Panduga starts on 30th September, Tuesday and ends on 8th October, Wednesday. The date of closing day may vary from place to place. In some places, it is celebrated on 6th October, Monday, in some places – 7th October, Tuesday and in other places it is celebrated on 8th of October, Wednesday.
Pedda Bathukamma – The Grand Closing Ceremony of Bathukamma Panduga :
The closing day of Bathukamma festival is celebrated as ‘Pedda Bathukamma’. Pedda Bathukamma is also known as ‘Saddula Bathukamma’. On this day, women prepare ‘Pedda Bathukammalu’ (bigger bathukammas) and worship them with utmost devotion. ‘Pedda Bathukamma’ is the most celebrated day of the nine days of Bathukamma festival. On this day, women do food charity to the poor.
Bathukamma Festival – Grand Event For Telangana Women :
Women and children are the important participants of Bathukamma Panduga. On the day of the festival, women wake up early in the morning and have ceremonial or spiritual bath. They wear fresh and new clothes, and perform ‘Gauri Puja’. On this occasion, they pray to Goddess Gauri, the divine energy for prosperity and bliss. After that, they offer ‘naivedyam’ to the Goddess and start preparing the Bathukamma.
Bathukamma Aata – A Social Gathering :
Bathukamma festival is a very common flatform to reduce the unequalness of social as well as economic status of people. During Bathukamma Aata, every woman puts her hands together with other woman and dances. The synchronizing dance along with singing which comes from hearts of the women, make every person to see it again and again.
Immersion of Bathukamma (Nimajjan or Visarjan of Bathukamma) :
After the completion of Bathukamma Aata, women take their Bathukammas to ‘Cheruvu’ (pond or lake) and pray for the last time in the year and immerse them into water.
Bathukamma Panduga in USA and UK :
As it is the very popular event in Andhra Pradesh, people of western countries are also present to watch the fest. The Non Resident Indians ( the Telangana people who stay abroad) are also started celebrating Bathukamma Panduga in their places. The most popular among all overseas celebration are – the celebrations in New Jersey, California, Atlanta and Dallas in the US and the celebrations in some regions of the UK.
Worship Bathukamma and Be Blessed By the Goddess with Prosperity and Bliss
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September 26th, 2008 at 10:06 am
[...] Bathukamma Panduga (Bathukamma Festival) is the biggest festival in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh, India. On this festival, Bathukammas are worshipped. Bathukamma is the representation of Patron Goddess - Maha Gauri. [...]