After worshipping the goddess Bathukamma for nine days, thousands of women bid farewell to Saddula Bathukamma in Warangal. File Photo | Express
WARANGAL: After worshipping the goddess for nine days in different forms, thousands of women bid farewell to Saddula Bathukamma. Several women congregated with colourful flowers for the Saddula Bathukamma festival at Padmakshi Temple, the Thousand Pillar temple in Hanamkonda and Bhadrakali Temple in Warangal on Monday evening. Women worshipped the goddess and offered each other turmeric vayanam.
Women in traditional attires turned the tri-cities of Hanamkonda, Warangal and Kazipet vibrant with huge Bathukammas made up of various flowers of myriad colours. Flowers like celosia, cassia, marigold, chrysanthemum, pumpkin plant, luffa, and other flowers are used in making the Bathukamma.
The roads leading to Thousand Pillar temple, Waddepally lake, Bhadrakali lake, Padmakshi temple, Ursu Gutta and several other locations were lit up. Keeping the cultural identity of Telangana alive, they gathered near the lakes and sang songs paying tribute to Goddess Gauri with grace.
GWMC arrangements for the celebrations earn praise
The Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) authorities made arrangements for the festivities with lights, installed CCTV cameras, and a drinking water facility for the women who play Bathukamma at the temple. The officials also deployed staff to keep the places clean. Barricades were set up and police personnel were deployed. Roads leading to important locations were cordoned off and the traffic was diverted to other routes to make way for the women.
