Hyderabad: Telanganites lucky bird Palapitta (Indian Roller) is now the state bird and Jinka (deer) the state animal.
Yellow Tangedu Puvvu (Cassia auriculata) which adorns Bathukamma is the state flower while Jammi Chettu (Prosopis Cineraria), worshipped by devout Telugus every Dasara is the state tree.
Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who chaired the selection committee on the state symbols finalised it saying they selected them since they are part of mythology, culture, traditions and habits of Telangana state.
“Telangana state symbols showcase its culture, traditions, history and moral values. In united Andhra Pradesh, the state symbols were selected through And-hra angle. Since Telangana state has been formed, the state symbols should go with Telangana culture,” KCR remarked.
The Chief Minister, who scanned through various proposals finally zeroed on the four symbols.
“Deer has carved a niche in Indian history. It has a key role in Ramayana. Deers are spread over entire Telangana. Among the wild animals in forests, deer is the most delicate and innocent one. Deer resembles the heart of Telangana people,” he remarked.
Referring to the beautiful Palapitta, KCR said people worship the bird every Dasara since it is considered a good omen and brings luck.
“Before waging a war against Lanka, Lord Rama worshipped Palapitta and he won it, according to mythology. The bird will bring success to Telangana state,” he said.
Interestingly, Palapitta which is also called Blue Jay, a very popular bird in the country, is also the state bird of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha and Bihar.
Stating that Jammi Chettu is part of Telangana culture, he said legend has it that the Pandavas hid their weapons on top of the tree to hoodwink Kauravas and evade another spell of stay in the forests.
They worshipped weapons after bringing them down from the tree top on the auspicious Vijayadasami day, before leading a battle against Kauravas.
It is stated that kings performed puja to their weapons and chariots under this tree.
