Bathukamma festival during Navaratri

Blondie,

I have seen Bathukamma in Hyderabad. And was always curious as to what the festival signifies. Thanks for your explanation. It is good to see that you are carrying on the festivities in the US too and looking at the beautiful bathukamma arrangements, it is hard to believe that this is in the US. Good going!

Here are the pictures from this year's bathukamma celebrations at lake fairfa park. The turn out was very good, didn't exhaust the park resources. Volunteers had done a very good job with smiles and happiness. Fodd was plenty and participation in songs,dance and games was enthusiastic. As usual for the curious blondie is not in any of the pictures posted =). Asked all the friends permission before posting here.

Pictures from bathukamma 2007 at washington D.C metro area continued.....

All the bathukammas placed together. ....
Sun dancing on the bathukammas....
Latecomers hurrying in.....
Kids waanting to touch Bathukammas....
Mothers trying best to keep them away....

Pictures from bathukamma 2007 at washington D.C metro area continued.....

Kids have a turn first.....
Boys are not allowed in this ritual.....
So they disappear to play their own games.....
Young girls have a go at it.....
While the babies try to follow...

Pictures from bathukamma 2007 at washington D.C metro area continued.....

Now its the ladies turn....
Finding partners and their rhythm....
getting into full swing.....
Time for mangala haarathi...
And to say bye....

Pictures from bathukamma 2007 at washington D.C metro area continued.....

All good things must come to an end....

It is time to say bye to bathukamma.....

Looking forward to next year's celebration...

All are welcome....

And thanks for your patience

Blondie,
It is nice to see the pictures of the Bathukamma festival. Looks like you all had lot of fun.
Also appreciate your explanations about the Bathukamma festival. Is the Brathuku (life)+ amma (mother) has become Bathukamma later? One more question, is Maha kali amma Jatra also during the navarathiri season? My MiL always goes to the temple during the Jatra time.

Thanks for sharing the pics. with us.

Sindhu

Blondie,
Beatuiful pics with all the the bathukamma's and ladies and kids with colorful sarees and pattu langas!
Tulasi

Originally Posted by Sindhuja

Blondie,
It is nice to see the pictures of the Bathukamma festival. Looks like you all had lot of fun.
Also appreciate your explanations about the Bathukamma festival. Is the Brathuku (life)+ amma (mother) has become Bathukamma later? One more question, is Maha kali amma Jatra also during the navarathiri season? My MiL always goes to the temple during the Jatra time.

Thanks for sharing the pics. with us.

Sindhu

Sindhu,
One of the sad stories of this festival goes like this.....
Unable to bear the constant chidings in her athagarillu, a newly married young girl ends her life. Her parents stricken with grief wail out a song to their daughter and to all daughter's in general that all women have devi durga's seed in them and they (the women) just like the goddes durga, have to find courage to live (bathuku) like the dear mother (amma) than find escape in death.

So in a way this festival celebrates the women ancient to modern.

Yes Kali puja is also done during the navaratri.

Dear Blondie,

Just saw these pictures. Awesome pics, interesting festival. Those creations with flowers are a feast for eye and all the pretty and beautiful ladies only add to the glamore. Children look extremely cute. I really have learnt about a new festival
Why did you not post a picture of your's? I would love to see you...do post please.

L, Kamla