‘Batukamma’, the State festival of Telangana, was celebrated in various villages of Andhra Pradesh bordering the neighbouring State.
People illuminated their houses besides decorating them with ‘thoranams’ and ‘rangolis’ as they celebrated the festival in a traditional manner.
“Though the State has been split, we have not separated. Batukamma will keep us united as many families from both States celebrate the festival with joy in border villages,” said S. Chandramma of Nemali village.
“People arrange huge Batukammas, prepare ‘Sattu’ (a traditional sweet), and invite guests for the festivities,” said a visitor, S. Veeraiah, of Tiruvuru village on Tuesday.
‘’The near and dear from Telangana are invited and the Batukamma festival is celebrated on a grand scale every year in border villages. We pray to the god to give a bumper yield, health and wealth during the year,’‘ said a group of people in Gampalagudem mandal.
Men collect ‘Tangeda’ and other flowers from nearby areas with which women decorate Batukammas at home. In the evenings, all the family members perform puja in front of their houses.
“Women sing various songs, including the most popular ‘Batukamma, batukamma vuyyalo, bangaru batukamma vuyyalo...’ On the last day of the festival, devotees leave the Batukammas in streams,” explained Gangavva of Vatsavai mandal.
The festival was celebrated with fervour at Rebbavaram, Dendukuru, Dabbakupalli, Polisettigudem, Paladugu and other border villages.
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