Telangana Government to Aim for World Record With Bathukamma

Hyderabad: The government on Monday announced plans to celebrate Bathukamma on the lines of Brazil’s Rio Carnival, aiming to draw international tourists and showcase Telangana’s cultural heritage on a global stage. The state will also attempt a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of women.

The nine-day festivities will begin on September 21 at the Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal. From September 22, celebrations will be held daily in three to four districts at prominent temples, tourist centers and cultural venues.

A Bathukamma Carnival Evening will take place at Tank Bund on September 27, followed by a Guinness World Record attempt on September 28 at LB Stadium, where more than 10,000 women are expected to gather with Bathukammas.

Briefing the media, tourism minister Jupally Krishna Rao said the government was determined to project Bathukamma as a world-class event. “Just as Rio Carnival captured global attention, we have made arrangements to showcase Bathukamma as a symbol of Telangana’s culture and traditions. Special programmes have been planned to attract international tourists,” he said.

The tourism department has drawn up plans to involve not only locals but also visitors from outside Telangana, guest workers from other states, and those who typically do not participate in the festivities. Tours will be organised for domestic visitors, while Bathukamma promotions will run nationally through in-flight magazines of Air India and Indigo.

Endowments minister Konda Surekha said Bathukamma, the only festival that worships flowers, had gained greater significance since Telangana’s formation. Women and Child Welfare Minister Seethakka appealed to women across the state to join the celebrations in large numbers.

In addition, the tourism department, in association with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Hyderabad, announced “Chhaap-2025,” a handicrafts and handlooms festival, to be held at Shilparamam from September 12 to 17.

Infographic: Bathukamma Celebrations Action Plan

* Celebrations from Sept. 21 to 30.

* Festivities to commence at Thousand Pillar Temple on Sept. 21.

* Bathukamma welcome dance on all flights from Delhi, Mumbai to Hyderabad from Sept. 21 to 30.

* Celebrations at important temples and cultural places from Sept. 22 onwards in three to four districts every day.

· College-level Bathukamma programmes across the state.

Key events

From Sept. 25: Art camp on Bathukamma theme at State Art Gallery.

 Sept. 27

· Bathukamma Carnival at Tank Bund

Sept. 28

· Guinness World Record attempt with 10,000 women at LB Stadium.

· Cycle ride

 Sept. 29

· Bathukamma competition at People’s Plaza: Sept. 29.

· Competitions for IT employees and RWAs: Sept. 29.

· Women’s bikers rally: Sept. 29.

 Sept. 30

· Grand flora parade and floral Holi at Tank Bund: Sept. 30.

· Vintage car rally: Sept. 30.