Bathukamma is a unique festival observed by women in Telangana, AP. The festival falls in the month of Ashwayuja (September-October), commencing on Bhadrapada Amavasya or Pitru Amavasya, ending on Durgastami. The culmination day is called Pedda Bathukamma Panduga which falls on September 28th this year (2009).

Bathukamma – Name and Meaning

Bathuku means live or long live, and Amma is calling for mother. Bathukamma means: Long Live Mother or Supreme Goddess Gauri.

Bathukamma is the name given to a decoration of flowers which are arranged in seven or more concentric layers in the shape of cone.

Bathukamma – The Legends

There are many legends which are popular. Here we present two of the legends that are driving force of the celebrations of Bathukamma.

Story of Baby Lakshmi:

The time of celebrations of Bathukamma dates centuries back when King Dharmangada of Chola Dynasty ruled South India. He had a very beautiful queen all the rishes but he was childless for many years. He performed yajnas for the satisfaction of Goddess. Goddess appeared and told him that She will be born as his daughter. Consequently the queen conceived and gave birth to a girl child who was named Lakshmi.

But the little girl Lakshmi faced several life-threatening situations which worried the king deeply. One day he dreamt of Goddess Lakshmi who was ordering the king to name the girl Bathukamma so that she lives long. Goddess also said those who offer flowers in the name of Bathukamma will have all bouties in their lives and they live long with health and happiness. From that time women gather together and celebrate by offering the flowers in name of Bathukamma.

Lord Shiva and Gauri

Daksha was father of Goddess Sati (Gauri) who married Lord Shiva aganist his wish. Once Daksha performed a yagna for which he invited everyone except Lord Shiva. Gauri did not liked this and felt this as great insult. Despite of Lord Shiva’s disagreement over the issue, she went to the place of yagna. Daksha ignored her and did not asked her about Lord Shiva. She felt humilated and could not tolerate the insult. She jumped into the yagna fire and sacrificed her life by setting ablaze. Wishing to bring her back the women present her flowers and hail “Bathukamma” or “Long live Goddess.”

Bathukamma – The Celebrations

Bathukamma ignites the festive spirit in women. Women of all ages get ready for the festival with fevour and enthusiasm. They dress up in traditional silk sarees, jewellery and girls wear colorful dresses and langa oni.

Each women prepares her own Bathukamma. All women gather in temple compound or pond or lakeside in the evening. Placing thier bathukammas in the middle all women dance around, synchronizing steps and claps in unison. They sing special flok songs called Bathukamma songs. After the singing and dancing they perform pooja and set afloat their Bathukammas in a lake or river.