Telangana is known for its exquisite traditions and culture, related to local folklore and festivals. One such moment of celebration which happens every year, culminating in Dasara is Bathukamma. It can be described truly as a colourful floral festival, celebrated by women of the state, with flowers growing widely in the region.

The monsoon rains usually brings plenty of water into the fresh water ponds of Telangana and it is also the time when wild flowers bloom in various vibrant colors all across the region. The festival falls during the latter half of monsoon, before the onset of winter. Bathukamma is celebrated by the women folk of Telangana, heralding the significance of nature in vibrant colors of multitudinous flowers. Bathukamma festival celebrations on each day, right from Pethara Amavasya to Saddula Bathukamma (Grand Finale of Bathukamma festival) is marked by different recipes on each day.

Day 1: EngiliPuvvula Bathukamma

It is celebrated on PetharaAmasa (Mahalaya Amavasya – Bhadrapada Amavasya). The Naivedyam, Palaharam for EngiliPuvvula Bathukamma is any recipe made with nuvvulu (til / sesame), rice flour or Nookalu or simply a mixture of sesame seeds and boiled rice.

Day 2: Atukula Bathukamma

It falls on the first day of Ashwayuja Masam (Navaratri KalashaSthapana). The Naivedyam, Palaharam for Atukula Bathukamma is any recipe made with Atukulu, SappadiPappu, bellam (jaggery).

Day 3: Muddhapappu Bathukamma

It is observed on second day of Ashwayuja Masam (PreethiVidiya) while the Naivedyam, Palaharam for Muddhapappu Bathukamma is any recipe made with Muddhapappu (dal), paalu (milk) or bellam (jaggery).

Day 4: Nanbiyyam Bathukamma

It falls on the third day of Navaratri festival. (SindhuraThadiyaGauri). The Naivedyam, Palaharam for Nanabiyyam Bathukamma is any recipe made with Nanabiyyam (wet rice), milk and jaggery.

Day 5: Atla Bathukamma

It is celebrated on thefourth day of Navratri utsavams while the Naivedyam, Palaharam for Atla Bathukamma is any recipe made with uppudubiyyam, dosha, atlu, etc.

Day 6: Aligina Bathukamma

It falls on the fifth day of Navaratri, also celebrated as Lalita Panchami. There is no Naivedyam, Palaharam for Aligina Bathukamma.

Day 7: Vepakayala Bathukamma

It falls on the sixth day of Navaratri (Durga Shashti day). The Naivedyam, Palaharam for Vepakayala Bathukamma is sakinalapindimixed with vepakayalu, i.e. Neem fruits.

Day 8: Vennamuddhala Bathukamma

It falls on the seventh day of Durga Navaratri (Durga Saptami / Maha Saptami) while the Naivedyam, Palaharam for Vennamuddhala Bathukamma involves venna (butter), neyyi (ghee), nuvvulu (til / sesame), jaggery, etc.

Day 9: Saddhula Bathukamma

This is the final day of Bathukamma festival, calledas Saddhula Bathukamma. Large sized Bathukammasare prepared, which are immersed in water on Durga Ashtami and also Mahanavami day. The Naivedyam, Palaharam for Saddula Bathukamma is five rice varieties, considered special among Telangana dishes. These are Perugusaddhi(Perugannamsaddhi – Curd rice), ChinthapanduPulihorasaddhi (Tamarind rice), Nimmakayasaddhi (lemon rice), Kobbarisaddhi (coconut rice) and Nuvvulasaddhi (sesame rice).