Hyderabad: Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju said the State had planned grand Bathukamma celebrations from October 10 to 18. He reviewed the plans at the Secretariat on Saturday. Secretaries from several departments attended the meeting.
Senior police officers were also present. Jaju said Saddula Bathukamma would be held on Tank Bund on October 18. Thousands of women were expected to take part. Meanwhile, a large procession would begin at 4 pm.
Women carrying Bathukammas would march from the Amaraveerula Smaraka Kendram to Tank Bund. The memorial is opposite the Secretariat. Hundreds of artists would also join the procession. In addition, they would present several traditional art forms. Public representatives would attend the event from a special stage on Tank Bund.
Bathukamma celebrations to focus on Tank Bund
Jaju told officials to place Bathukamma displays at major junctions across Hyderabad. He said the displays would add to the festive mood. Also, he asked departments to decorate major government offices in the city.
The Chief Secretary told HMDA and GHMC to make special plans for immersion. Officials were asked to prepare Bathukamma Ghat at Tank Bund Children’s Park. They were also told to make arrangements at Necklace Road.
The main Tank Bund event would run from 5 pm to 10 pm. Therefore, officials were directed to plan traffic diversions and barricades. They were also asked to provide basic public facilities.
Further, special barricades were planned along the procession route. Officials were also told to provide proper lighting. These arrangements would cover the route from the Martyrs’ Memorial to Tank Bund.
Jaju said Bathukamma celebrations would also be held at Ravindra Bharathi during the 10-day festival. Accordingly, he asked officials to make special arrangements at the venue.
Similar events were also planned at major tourist spots across Telangana. Other prominent locations in the State would host programmes as well. Jaju said a special logo was being designed for this year’s festival.
The logo would reflect the spirit of Bathukamma. In addition, it would include the Telangana Global Summit. The summit was scheduled to be held in December. Meanwhile, officials were asked to work together on the Hyderabad events.
The plans covered the procession, immersion sites, lighting and traffic control. They also included facilities for the public. Jaju further asked officials to prepare for the large turnout expected on October 18.