Bathukamma: A Review on The Cultural Significance, Medicinal Values of Flowers, And Traditional Health Wisdom of The Telugu People

Bathukamma: A Historical and Cultural Festival of Flowers and Health Traditions in Telangana is a vibrant nine-day floral festival that intertwines spirituality, ecological wisdom, cultural heritage, and traditional medicine. Celebrated primarily by women during the Navratri season, it honors Goddess Gauri (Bathukamma), invoking blessings for health, prosperity, and feminine strength. Central to the celebration is the creation of conical floral arrangements, Bathukammas, which incorporate a wide variety of seasonal flowers chosen for both beauty and medicinal value. Commonly used flowers include Tangedu poolu (Cassia auriculata/Senna), placed at the base and valued for its role in controlling diabetes; Gunugu poolu (Celosia), with its bold flame-red hues, used for treating blood pressure and stomach ailments; and Marigold (Tagetes), employed as a natural pesticide and remedy for skin diseases. Chrysanthemum is favored for its vibrant colours, while the Indian lotus symbolises purity and aids in reducing body heat and constipation. Velvet flower/Globe amaranth (Poka banti), linked with Goddess Sita, is used for eye health. Other local flora, such as Luffa flowers, Cucurbita, Memecylon edule, Tridax procumbens, Cucumis sativus, and Trachyspermum ammi enrich the arrangements, carrying diverse therapeutic benefits rooted in Ayurveda. Beyond their medicinal and ecological value, these flowers embody cultural identity and social unity. Women gather daily to design Bathukammas, sing traditional songs, and dance in circles, blending recreation with devotion. The festival culminates in “Saddula Bathukamma,” where floral stacks are immersed in water bodies, symbolising gratitude to nature. Thus, Bathukamma represents a unique synthesis of worship, environmental stewardship, health traditions, and community celebration in Telangana.