HYDERABAD: On the note of ‘Intinti Bathukamma’ (Bathukamma in every house), women are gathering in small groups to take part in the flower festival. Keeping their spirits up, many city dwellers are celebrating the festival amidst flowers and family.
Newly-married Vaishnavi Gone, a resident of Banjara Hills, was excited to attend the first major festival since her wedding. “With Covid-19 taking over our lives, festive celebrations have become very intimate. As opposed to every year, this year we’re celebrating Bathukamma at home with a small group of people. And our new face accessories are sure to add some glamour to the night!”
Seeing the beauty in the midst of the torrential rain was Swathi Reddy, a resident of Gachiblowli. “Bathukamma is a festival that is closely linked to earth and water. The flower-laden Bathukamma is immersed in a pond. This time, the rains have filled our water bodies. This is a blessing and a call for all of us to respect nature.” Gauramma, a symbolic representation of Goddess Gowri as a small mound of turmeric, is placed on top of the flowers before immersion. Women across households were seen making Bathukamma comprising layers of different flowers in the shape of a temple’s gopuram. Swirling around in circles, they danced around the seven-tiered flower arrangement to traditional songs.