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The New Zealand Telangana Central Association (NZTCA) kicked off its nine-day celebration of the traditional Bathukamma festival with an impressive gathering at the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre. The event was attended by over 300 devotees, a testament to the strong cultural spirit of the Telangana community in Auckland.
Bathukamma, a Hindu flower festival celebrated by the women of Telangana, marks the beginning of the Sharad or Sharath Ruthu. Celebrated for nine days, the festival follows the Sathavahana calendar and typically falls between September and October, coinciding with Sharad Navratri and Durga Puja. The nine-day festivities culminate with “Saddula Bathukamma” or “Pedda Bathukamma,” marking the grand finale of the celebration. This year, NZTCA has planned daily festivities across various parts of Auckland, with days one and nine celebrated on a grand scale by the NZTCA committee.
The chief guest for the opening day was Sri Niranjan Reddy, former Minister of Telangana State, who thanked NZTCA for the invitation and expressed his happiness at being part of the celebration. He highlighted that the global celebration of Telangana’s cultural festivals, such as Bathukamma, is made possible by the sacrifices of the Telangana martyrs and the leadership of the state’s first Chief Minister, K. Chandrashekar Rao, whose role in the agitation for separate statehood was pivotal.
Special guests in attendance included Sanjeev Kumar, the new Consul from the Consulate General of India Office in Auckland, and Vice Consul Divya, as well as prominent figures such as Minister Karen Chhour, MP Helen White, and MP Paramjeet Parmar and several community leaders. Consul Sanjeev Kumar was visibly happy to be in midst of a large Indian community gathering and said Indian community is the most vibrant here of many other countries he has been to. Bhav Dhillon Ex Honorary consul sent his apologies. The distinguished guests joined the community in celebrating “Engilipoola Bathukamma,” with women showcasing vibrant floral arrangements and honouring the festival’s traditions with devotion and enthusiasm. Each day of the Bathukamma festival highlights a different aspect of the tradition, with every day set to feature differently.
NZTCA invites everyone to join the grand finale, Saddula Bathukamma, which is scheduled to be celebrated on October 9, 2024, at the Papakura Ganesh Temple. This concluding celebration will bring the community together to honour Telangana’s vibrant culture with traditional music, dance, and floral arrangements.
The festival will continue with events hosted by members of the Telangana community throughout Auckland, culminating in the grand celebration of Saddula Bathukamma, organized by the NZTCA committee. Each day brings communities together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Telangana, promoting unity and pride. -by Kalyan Rao Kasuganti, Founder, New Zealand Telangana Central Association