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| Navaratri/ Bathukamma , Andhra. st1.latestly.com |
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Navaratri, a nine-day festival celebrated with great devotion and grandeur, holds special significance in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Each of these nine days is dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga, and it culminates on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. The festival is marked by a rich display of cultural and religious practices, making it one of the most anticipated events in the region.
Nine-Day Festivities
In Andhra Pradesh, Navaratri is observed with fervor in temples, households, and community centers. The festivities are often centered around the worship of Goddess Kanaka Durga, especially in Vijayawada's Kanaka Durga Temple, located atop the Indrakeeladri Hill. Devotees flock to the temple in thousands to seek blessings, and the deity is adorned in different forms each day, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Apart from temple rituals, the tradition of Bathukamma Panduga (festival of life) is celebrated predominantly by women. This is a floral festival associated with Navaratri, showcasing the unique cultural ethos of the state.
Bathukamma Panduga: Celebrating Womanhood and Nature
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Floral Arrangements
During Bathukamma, women create beautiful flower stacks called Bathukammas, using seasonal flowers like marigold, chrysanthemum, hibiscus, and ixora. The arrangements are stacked in a conical shape, symbolizing the presence of Goddess Gauri. Each family prepares their Bathukamma and comes together to celebrate in the evenings.
The women sing traditional folk songs, clapping and dancing around the floral arrangements. The sight of these colorful flower stacks and the rhythmic movements of the dancers create an enchanting visual experience, attracting visitors from far and wide. The festival lasts for nine days, corresponding to the nine nights of Navaratri, with the final day being the grandest celebration known as Saddula Bathukamma.
The Grand Finale: Saddula Bathukamma
On the final day, the decorated Bathukammas are carried in a procession to a nearby water body, where they are set afloat amidst prayers and folk songs. This ritual signifies bidding farewell to the goddess, symbolizing the cycle of life, fertility, and renewal. The colorful sight of hundreds of Bathukammas floating in rivers or lakes is a mesmerizing spectacle.
Overall, the Navaratri and Bathukamma celebrations in Andhra Pradesh reflect the state's deep-rooted traditions, devotion, and love for community festivities, making it a unique cultural extravaganza.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathukamma
https://99pandit.com/blog/bathukamma-festival-dates-history-and-details/