Bathukamma is floral festival celebrated by the Hindu women of Telangana. Every year this festival is celebrated as per Shalivahana calendar for nine days starting Bhadrapada Amavasya till Durgashtami, usually in September–October of Gregorian calendar. Bathukamma is celebrated for nine days during Durga Navratri. It starts on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya and the 9-day festivities will culminate on "Saddula Bathukamma" or "Pedda Bathukamma" festival on Ashwayuja Ashtami, popularly known as Durgashtami which is two days before Dussehra. Bathukamma represents cultural spirit of Telangana. Bathukamma is a beautiful flower stack, arranged with different unique seasonal flowers most of them with medicinal values, in seven concentric layers in the shape of temple gopuram. In Telugu, ‘Bathukamma' means ‘Mother Goddess come Alive’ and Goddess Maha Gauri-‘Life Giver’ is worshipped in the form of Bathukamma – the patron goddess of womanhood, Maha Gauri Devi. It is the festival for feminine felicitation. On this special occasion women dress up in the traditional sari combining it with jewels and other accessories.

Arkansas Telangana Association (ARTA) will be celebrating Bathukamma on Sept 24th at Maumelle Park, Pavilion 5 From 2 PM to 6 PM. ARTA welcomes you all to join the celebrations with your family and friends and make it a grand success. Kids will have a chance to know about our culture and heritage and have lots of fun at the same time!

Please bring your creatively decorated Bathukamma and join us in the Celebration.