Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday, 18 October 2026, extended warm greetings to the women of Telangana on the occasion of Saddula Bathukamma, the culminating day of the state's most beloved floral festival. The occasion marks the immersion of the Bathukamma and the worship of Goddess Gauri, drawing millions of women across the state into a celebration of nature, culture, and feminine solidarity.

Governor's Message: Nature, Devotion and Unity

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla described Saddula Bathukamma as a symbol of the grandeur of Telangana's culture and traditions, calling it an expression of the worship of nature and of women's self-respect. He observed that the act of adorning the Bathukamma with flowers and offering prayers to Gauramma (Goddess Gauri) reflects the inseparable bond between human society and the natural world.

The Governor said the festival fosters devotion, respect for cultural heritage, and social unity. He offered prayers to the Goddess, seeking her blessings for Telangana's prosperity, peace, good health, happiness, and abundance in every household across the state.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy Hails Festival's Cultural Significance

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy extended his greetings particularly to the women and girls of Telangana, calling Bathukamma a true embodiment of the state's culture and traditions. He noted that Telangana is home to a magnificent culture that reveres nature and flowers, and expressed hope that women would celebrate Saddula Bathukamma with joy, songs, and dance, accompanied by the grand floral arrangements the festival is known for.

Reddy described the occasion as a 'festival of flowers' that brings a shower of happiness into every home and wished for it to usher in prosperity, peace, and well-being for every family. He expressed delight that Bathukamma is celebrated with great grandeur during the nine-day festive season across the state.

Government's Commitment to Women's Empowerment

Chief Minister Reddy used the occasion to reiterate that his administration — which he referred to as the 'People's Government' — remains committed to empowering women through a range of welfare and development programmes. He highlighted that the Bathukamma festival not only showcases the cultural richness of Telangana and the unity of women, but also carries significant social dimensions that the government seeks to strengthen.

Notably, Bathukamma is unique to Telangana and is celebrated primarily by Telugu women, who arrange flowers in concentric layers around a central stack before singing traditional songs and performing the Bathukamma dance. The festival spans nine days of the Dasara season, with Saddula Bathukamma — the grand finale — being the most widely observed.

Bathukamma's Growing Cultural Footprint

Since Telangana's formation as a separate state in 2014, successive governments have elevated Bathukamma to the status of a state festival, with large public celebrations organised by the government alongside community observances. The festival has also gained visibility beyond the state, with Telangana diaspora communities celebrating it in major Indian cities and abroad. This year's celebrations were described as among the most vibrant in recent memory, continuing a tradition that both the Governor and the Chief Minister flagged as central to Telangana's identity.