Compiled from reports by Deccan Chronicle, Asianet Newsable, ThePrint and Munsif News 24x7. See the original articles linked below.
The Telangana government held Saddula Bathukamma celebrations on the Hussain Sagar waterfront at Tank Bund in Hyderabad on Sunday evening, 18 October, according to several outlets. The day closes the state's nine-day floral festival.
PTI, in a report carried by ThePrint, said the gathering highlighted Telangana's cultural heritage and folk arts. It reported that Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and his wife were present, along with Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao and Panchayat Raj Minister Seethakka. PTI added that Vani Prasad, Special Chief Secretary of the Tourism Department, and other officials also took part.
Film stars among the attendees
Deccan Chronicle, citing ANI, reported that actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna attended the programme. Both Deccan Chronicle and Asianet Newsable, which also carried the ANI report, said the two actors were one of the main attractions of the evening and drew the attention of the crowd. Asianet Newsable published its version early on 19 October.
Programme and scale
ThePrint, relaying PTI, said the programme included a cultural showcase of 30 traditional art forms performed by 700 artists. It said about 700 decorated Bathukammas, the stacked flower arrangements at the centre of the festival, were arranged along the waterfront, while women, girls and children sang traditional songs around them. A laser show and fireworks were also part of the evening, PTI reported.
Munsif News 24x7 gave similar figures: roughly 700 Bathukammas, about 700 artistes and 30 folk art forms. It reported that the event ran from 5 pm to 10 pm, with a laser show and fireworks planned.
Minister's remarks
Munsif News 24x7 reported that Jupally Krishna Rao described Bathukamma as a celebration of life and a symbol of Telangana's cultural heritage and of the self-respect of women. According to the outlet, he said the festival brings people together across caste and religious lines. Munsif also reported that he urged people to keep water bodies free of pollution and to celebrate festivals responsibly.
About the festival
Asianet Newsable, drawing on ANI, said the nine days of festivities begin with Engili Pula Bathukamma around Mahalaya Amavasya and end on Durga Ashtami, when Saddula Bathukamma is observed. Deccan Chronicle described Bathukamma as a flower festival celebrated by Telugu Hindu women, and Asianet Newsable said it is observed in Telangana and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
Deccan Chronicle's ANI-based report framed the event as a celebration of Telangana's cultural heritage and of the importance of preserving traditional festivals. The reports differ slightly in timing and detail: ThePrint's PTI copy was filed on Sunday night, while the Deccan Chronicle, Asianet Newsable and Munsif pieces appeared on Monday, 19 October.
Sources
- Vijay Deverakonda, Rashmika Mandanna Participate In Grand Saddula Bathukamma Celebrations (Deccan Chronicle, 2026-10-19)
- Vijay Deverakonda, Rashmika grace Saddula Bathukamma in Hyderabad (Asianet Newsable, 2026-10-19)
- 'Saddula Bathukamma' celebrations held at Hussain Sagar in Hyderabad (ThePrint, 2026-10-18)
- Tank Bund Turns Into Sea of Flowers as Telangana Celebrates Saddula Bathukamma (Munsif News 24x7, 2026-10-19)
This article was compiled with AI assistance from the reports listed above and reviewed by GMA before publishing.