Bathukamma festival begins on a grand note in Adilabad

Women from all age groups, dressed in their best, worshiped the idols made of flowers by joyfully clapping and rhythmically dancing around the deity

Adilabad: The nine-day-long annual festival, Bathukamma began on a colorful note across the erstwhile Adilabad district on Wednesday evening.

Women from all age groups, dressed in their best, worshiped the idols made of flowers by joyfully clapping and rhythmically dancing around the deity. The women also sang songs hailing the goddess on the first day of the festival known as Engilipulu.

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They gathered at junctions, on the premises of certain temples and open spaces to celebrate the festival.

A section of women collected various flowers in particular Thangedu (Cassia Auriculata), a key ingredient, from forest fringes, while others bought from roadside vendors.

They attractively stacked flowers in conical shaped idols representing the deity. They performed special prayers and brought the idols to the venues.

The celebrators later immersed the eco-friendly idols in nearby irrigation tanks and streams.

Certain organisers fed the participants by providing snacks. They presented gifts to women who come with creative and innovative idols of the deity.

Venues of the festival were decorated with glittering lamps and public address systems were arranged for playing the folk songs. Both urban and rural parts came alive with women celebrating the floral festival. The finale of Bathukamma festivities or Saddulu will be held on October 10.