Gear up for Bathukamma fete, officials told

Hyderabad: Chief Secretary S P Singh said the Bathukamma Festival would be celebrated in a grand manner across the State for nine days from September 20 to 28. Speaking at a review meeting at the Secretariat here on Thursday, Singh directed the officials to coordinate and make elaborate arrangements for the State festival to reflect the Telangana culture to the world. He said 35,000 women will be participating in the festivities at LB Stadium on September 26 and directed the officials to make necessary arrangements accordingly.

He also wanted the distribution of Bathukamma sarees on the occasion in a hassle-free manner to the women of BPL category. Necessary steps should be taken for smooth culmination of festivities to mark Saddula Bathukamma as women coming from various places will assemble at Tank Bund on September 28 for the mega event. He directed the officials to make necessary arrangement for drinking water, power supply, repair of roads and upkeep, toilets to avoid any inconvenience on the occasion.

An action plan for the facilities and traffic movement will be needed in the city and also in districts, he said. Singh directed Tourism Secretary B Venkatesham to make arrangements for Bathukamma festival to be conducted at other States where Telugu people reside. Government Advisor K V Ramana Chary said efforts should be made to conduct the State festival in other States in an innovative way.

Venkatesham said Maha Bathukamma festival will be conducted at LB Stadium on the last day and to mark “Saddula Bathukamma” a rally by women carrying Bathukammas will be taken up from People’s Plaza to Bathukamma Ghat at Tank Bund on September 28.