"bathukamma"

Telangana NRIs in Saudi Arabia celebrated the first Bathukamma festival in Jeddah with Tangedu flowers, Telangana’s State flower. The Indian Consulate, in collaboration with JTM, organised the event with Telugu women from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh participating enthusiastically

The Telangana diaspora in Gulf countries is gearing up to celebrate Bathukamma with grand events. Dubai leads the festivities, while Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar host celebrations, marking cultural unity and the first-ever public observance in Jeddah.

As Bathukamma celebrations begin across Hyderabad, concerns have emerged over the poor condition of several lakes and ponds, which remain littered and choked with hyacinth and algal bloom. Despite GHMC’s claims of preparing over 384 water bodies and deploying sanitation staff, parks like Krishna Kanth continue to draw complaints from visitors.

Bathukamma festivities in Domadugu and neighbouring villages of Sangareddy were hit after toxic effluents from a pharma company polluted Nalla Cheruvu and nearby lakes. Women were forced to seek alternative immersion sites, lamenting the foul smell and contaminated waters.

BRS leaders K.T. Rama Rao and T. Harish Rao wished the people of Telangana joy and prosperity on Engilipoola Bathukamma, the first day of Bathukamma festivities. They highlighted the festival as a celebration of Telangana’s culture, flowers, and traditions.

The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation clarified that there is no increase in regular bus fares. Fare adjustments of up to 50 per cent apply only to special festival services to meet high demand during Bathukamma, Dasara and other festivals

BRS leader T. Harish Rao accused the Congress government of exploiting people by hiking RTC bus fares by 50% ahead of Bathukamma and Dasara. He alleged that “festival special buses” were regular services with higher fares, calling it a public nuisance.

TGSRTC will operate 7,754 special buses across Telangana for Bathukamma and Dasara between September 20 and October 2. Return services are planned for October 5–6. Camps at key locations and fare revisions on select days are also announced

BRS women leaders released three Bathukamma songs at Telangana Bhavan, criticising the Congress government. The event, attended by senior leaders, recalled KCR’s recognition of Bathukamma as a cultural symbol and stressed its role in uniting Telangana women across communities.

The Enforcement Directorate attached Rs. 4.8 crore worth properties of Mohd Munawar Khan and his wife Faiqa Taha Khan in a money laundering probe into the illegal sale of government and Bhoodan lands. The scam allegedly earned Rs. 6.45 crore

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has been making claims about continuing the previous government’s welfare initiatives

Addressing a round table conference organized by the Telangana Jagruthi at Press Club with intellectuals, she observed that the statue of Telangana Thalli was the symbol of legacy and cultural pride that the Telangana movement instilled in its people

Speaking to the media at her residence on Friday, Kavitha strongly criticized the gazette notification enforcing the revised design. The directive mandates the installation of statues with the altered design statewide and threatens criminal penalties for non-compliance. “Even the British never imposed such restrictions on Bharat Mata statues during the Indian independence movement. This decision is undemocratic and disrespectful,” she remarked.

In response, BRS working president KT Rama Rao praised Siddha Reddy's courageous decision. "Eradicating Bathukamma, a symbol of Telangana, threatens our identity. Siddha Reddy's stance and dedication are a source of pride and inspiration for all those who are committed to preserving our culture and self-respect," he said.

BRS leaders and cadre across the erstwhile Medak washed the statues with milk as a mark of protest.

She expressed deep concern, stating that the spirit of Telangana had eroded under the Congress regime. She declared that the BRS would resist Congress’s attempts to rewrite Telangana's history and demanded the restoration of Telangana’s true cultural symbols.

He pointed out that the new statue lacked several key features that were present in the original design including its crown. The crown, symbolizing the pride and self-governance of Telangana was gone. The traditional floral festival Bathukamma, which represents the cultural heritage of Telangana, was absent.

The floral festival conducted by Telangana Friends Association in Abu Dhabi drew hundreds of Telugu families, mostly young women on Saturday, who arrived with their flamboyant flower stacks

Families clad in traditional and colorful attire gathered to honor Goddess Gowri, embodying the spirit of Bathukamma.

Asha workers met Harish Rao at his office and complained to him about the delay in the release of salaries.