Hyderabad: The Bathukamma festival begins across Telangana on Saturday with Engili Pula Bathukamma, marking the start of nine days of celebrations. However, rising flower prices have increased the cost of preparations for families in cities and villages.
Flower markets across the State are brimming with seasonal blooms, including tangedu, gunugu, chrysanthemums, marigolds and roses. At the same time, traders have raised prices amid strong festival demand, placing additional pressure on household budgets. Many low-income and middle-class families now face higher costs to buy flowers for the celebrations.
Bathukamma festival ends with Saddula Bathukamma on October 18
Under Telangana tradition, women arrange flowers into Bathukamma displays and worship them each day. Each of the nine days carries a distinct name and ritual. The festivities begin with Engili Pula Bathukamma on Saturday, followed by Atukula Bathukamma on the second day and Mudda Pappu Bathukamma on the third.
On the fourth day, families observe Nane Biyyam Bathukamma. Next comes Atla Bathukamma on the fifth day, followed by Aligina Bathukamma on the sixth. Vepakayala Bathukamma marks the seventh day, while Venna Mudda Bathukamma takes place on the eighth. Finally, Saddula Bathukamma brings the celebrations to a close on October 18.
Meanwhile, consumers have reported that prices of marigolds, chrysanthemums and gunugu flowers have doubled compared with last year. Since Saturday marks the first day, shoppers expect prices to remain high as demand grows.
Despite the added expense, women across Telangana are preparing to celebrate the Bathukamma festival according to tradition. To manage costs, many families are buying smaller quantities of flowers rather than abandoning their preparations. As a result, the festival atmosphere continues to build in homes and communities despite the strain on household budgets.
Twitter Post: Telangana’s nine-day Bathukamma festival begins Saturday with Engili Pula Bathukamma. Flower prices have reportedly doubled from last year, putting pressure on household budgets ahead of Saddula Bathukamma on October 18.