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Welcome to the vibrant and colorful start of Bathukamma Starting Day on October 3! This time-honored festival hails from the Southern Indian state of Telangana, and is a grand celebration of life, nature and the divine feminine. Bathukamma, which translates to 'Mother Goddess come alive', is marked by elaborate floral arrangements, jubilant dances and soulful folk songs. The festival commences on Mahalaya Amavasya and culminates on Durga Ashtami, intertwining itself beautifully with the season of Autumn and the spirit of harvest. So, let's come together to celebrate the beginning of this festive season with flowers in full bloom and our hearts filled with joy!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of Bathukamma</div><div class='timeline-text'>The custom of Bathukamma was believed to have started in the 1800s in rural areas of Telangana as a way for the community to come together and celebrate the beauty of nature.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1940</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Urban Spread</div><div class='timeline-text'>By the mid-20th century, the tradition of Bathukamma had spread to urban areas, marking it as a state-wide celebration across Telangana.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inclusion in Folk Art</div><div class='timeline-text'>Since the 1970s, Bathukamma has been a major theme in Telangana's folk art, literature and music further popularizing the festival.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Government Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bathukamma was officially recognised as a state festival by the Government of Telangana, allowing for widespread celebration and governmental support.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the Telangana diaspora, Bathukamma began to be celebrated globally from 2014, spreading the vibrant traditions and festivities around the world.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World's Largest Bathukamma</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 2017, Telangana successfully attempted a Guinness World Record for 'Largest display of Bathukamma flowers’, adding a prestigious recognition to the festival's history.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create your own Bathukamma flower arrangement</h3><p class='facts-text'>Make use of colorful flowers in full bloom to create your own Bathukamma arrangement. This traditionally circular floral display is said to symbolize the unity of family members, and actively making one can bring a sense of creativity and engagement with the festival.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Attend a Bathukamma folk dance session</h3><p class='facts-text'>Search for local community events or festivities celebrating Bathukamma Starting Day and partake in the traditional Telangana folk dancing. Dance around the flower arrangements, soak in the music and enjoy the spirit of unity and joy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Learn to make Bathukamma dishes</h3><p class='facts-text'>Use this day as an opportunity to immerse yourself into the cuisine of Telangana. Search for recipes for Bathukamma specific dishes like Maleeda or Atukulu and try your hand at these delicious sweet treats.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Donate to a Bathukamma charity</h3><p class='facts-text'>Several organizations hold charity events during Bathukamma. Make a donation, volunteer your time, or show support in any way you can to participate in the spirit of community that is inherent to this festival.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Slide into traditional garments</h3><p class='facts-text'>Dress up in traditional Telangana outfit for the day. Traditional wear for Bathukamma includes colorful Langa-Voni (half sari) for women and Dhoti-Kurta for men. Adorning yourself with traditional wear will enhance your Bathukamma experience and increase the authenticity of celebrations. </p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates life, nature, and femininity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The vibrant festival of Bathukamma is a grand celebration of life, nature, and the divine feminine, bringing together individuals and communities to honor the essence of existence and the magnificent natural world. The festival offers the opportunity to engage with the community whilst celebrating and acknowledging the critical role women play in society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It showcases art, music and dance of Telangana</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>One of the best things about Bathukamma is the showcase of traditional Telangana art, music, and dance. Floral arrangements, folk songs, and dances form an integral part of the celebrations, bringing vibrancy and energy to the whole event. </p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It offers an exciting culinary experience</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The festival offers an opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in Telangana's unique cuisine. Traditional dishes like Maleeda and Atukulu, prepared during Bathukamma, give people a chance to enjoy the scrumptious taste of authentic Telangana food and offer an exciting culinary experience.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bathukamma is predominantly a Female Festival</h3><p class='facts-content'>Bathukamma festival is celebrated by the women of Telangana, showcasing feminine power, unity and the impactful role women play within their communities and societies in general.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Bathukamma Floral Arrangement carries Deep Symbolism</h3><p class='facts-content'>The unique arrangement of seven concentric circles formed with flowers represents the ecological cycles related to agriculture, the main livelihood in rural areas of Telangana. </p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Specific Types of Flowers are Used in the Festival</h3><p class='facts-content'>The main flowers used to create the Bathukamma include tangedi, gunugu, lotus, alli, katla, tekku and several other varieties which are native to Telangana region.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Bathukamma Song has Touched International Audiences</h3><p class='facts-content'>The special Bathukamma Song was introduced to the world by the Telangana Government in 2016, and since then it has been translated into various global languages, taking the essence of Bathukamma beyond Indian borders.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Final Day of Bathukamma Festival has a Special Ritual</h3><p class='facts-content'>On the final day, called Saddula Bathukamma, women carry the flower arrangements on their heads and march to nearby rivers or lakes where they set the floral stacks afloat, symbolizing the return of Parvati to her husband Shiva at the end of the festival.</p></div></div>
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