Vijay and Rashmika Add Star Power to Bathukamma Celebrations

The Saddula Bathukamma celebrations, a symbol of Telangana’s culture and traditions, concluded grandly across the state. In Hyderabad, women, young girls, and children gathered in large numbers at Tank Bund for the celebrations organized by the government. The Maha Bathukamma rally from the Martyrs’ Memorial to Tank Bund featured 700 folk artists and more than 600 women. The banks of Hussain Sagar came alive with a laser show and fireworks. Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and his wife, Ministers Jupally Krishna Rao and Seethakka, women leaders, and foreign diplomats attended the festivities.

Minister Jupally Krishna Rao said Bathukamma represents Telangana’s culture, traditions, and the self-respect of women. He noted that festivals such as Bathukamma, Bonalu, and the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara give Telangana’s tourism sector a distinctive identity. Minister Seethakka called on people to respect every woman like Bathukamma and stated that the government aims to help women across the state achieve economic independence.

Saddula Bathukamma was also celebrated grandly in Warangal, Hanamkonda, Siddipet, Nizamabad, Medak, Adilabad, Nalgonda, Khammam, and several other regions. Women gathered in large numbers near lakes, temples, and historical sites, arranging colourful floral Bathukammas and celebrating with traditional songs and dances. After performing prayers, they immersed the Bathukammas in water and exchanged festive greetings.

Film actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna were special attractions at the Tank Bund celebrations. Rashmika joined Minister Seethakka and other officials in playing Bathukamma, adding to the excitement among women and fans. Speaking on the occasion, Vijay said he was delighted to see women celebrating Bathukamma in traditional attire. He recalled promising Rashmika earlier that he would take her to Telangana’s grand Bathukamma celebrations and said he was proud to see festivals being celebrated with such enthusiasm across the state. Rashmika also enjoyed participating in the traditional dance alongside women, further boosting the festive spirit among attendees and fans.