Telangana, a state formerly part of Andhra Pradesh, has a considerably different culture from other Telugu-speaking areas. The state’s unusual devotion to female goddesses and the ubiquity of the festivals are its two distinguishing features.
Telangana’s festivals are distinguished by clearly defined rituals, tales, authentic customs, and colors. Due to the inclusion of people from all castes and religious backgrounds, Telangana’s festivals provide an equal & uniform fervor of celebrations. As a result, Telangana’s calendar is a multicolored tapestry of festivities featuring several festivals and fairs. In this post we will acknowledge the 8 most popular festivals in Telangana.
One of Telangana’s most well-known festivals, the Bathukamma Festival, is a festival of vibrant flowers held just before winter’s start during the half-monsoon season. Engili Pula Bathukamma of Mahalaya Amavasya & Saddula Bathukamma on Durgashtami is the first and last days of the nine-day celebration, respectively.
Bathukamma is tastefully decorated during these nine days by arranging various kinds of flowers in cone forms on large platters and providing various culinary items (naivedyam). Then, ladies and children wearing traditional attire locate the Bathukamma in the middle and sing songs while circling it while clapping their hands repeatedly. The Bathukamma is finally submerged in the water after that. The rivers & lakes can be organically cleansed by the flowers, which is the basis for this festival.
When Celebrated: September-October
Location: District Kamareddy
What To Expect: Vibrant, Colourful Floral Festival
During the Telugu month of Ashada, the cities of Secunderabad & Hyderabad, as well as the rest of Telangana, celebrate Bonalu, a traditional festival of Telangana (July or August). Women make Bonam, a brass pot filled with milk, jaggery, and cooked rice, for this event and conduct a special pooja for Mahakali Amma. The pot is adorned with kumkum, neem leaves, and turmeric before being carried on the heads of worshippers as an offering to the goddess.
When Celebrated: July
Location: All over Telangana
What To Expect: Worship Goddess Mahakali
The Hindu holiday of Dussehra (Dasara), also known as Navratri, is observed in Telangana and throughout India. Each day of the festival’s 10 days of celebration honors a different manifestation of the goddess, including Bala Tripura Sundari, Gayatri, Annapurna, Kamakshi, and Raja Rajeswari.
The eighth day is known as Durgastami. Ayudhapuja, or the worship of all the objects in one’s life, is practiced on Mahanavami, the 9th day of Navaratri. The goddess is dressed as Maa Durga on Vijayadasami, the 10 days of Dasara. An effigy of monster king Ravana is lit on fire during the festival of Dussehra to commemorate the good victory over evil.
When Celebrated: October
Location: All over Telangana
What To Expect: Ram Lila, Ravan Dahan
While Ganesh Chaturthi is enthusiastically observed throughout India, Telangana’s celebration has a special charm. Devotees do pooja with various leaves and flowers with the utmost devotion during this festival, which celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. On the third, fifth, and 9th day, idols are submerged in water at several pandals throughout the state.
Several foods created, like Undrallu and Modaka, are thought to be Ganesha’s favorites. Hinduism regards it as a sacred ritual to submerge the Lord Ganesha idol into the river after the event. One of the major Andhra Pradesh festivities, the celebration of Lord Ganesha, always takes place in August or September.
When Celebrated: August-September
Location: All over Telangana
What To Expect: Worship of Lord Ganesh
Telangana celebrates Sankranthi, a harvest festival, with a lot of fanfare. Three days are devoted to this festival: the first day, Bhogi. The second is Sankranthi, and the third is Kanuma. People burn outdated items on Bhogi to rid their lives of negativity. The houses’ front porches are exquisitely ornamented with vibrant rangolis & gobbemma (dung balls). People salute one another while donning new clothing and showing respect for the harvest that was created. The Hussain Sagar lakeshore necklace road also has an international kite festival that the Telangana government organizes.
When Celebrated: January
Location: All over Telangana
What To Expect: Colourful Decorations, Singing
One of Telangana’s well-known cultural festivals is Visakha Utsav. The four-day festival has been going on since 1997. Many people see cultural performances, sporting events, a clothing exhibitions, flower shops, and heritage tours. One of the most well-known cultural festivals in South India is called Visakha Utsav. This festival might be on the next list if you enjoy learning about different cultures. Every year in December, four days are devoted to Visakha Utsav celebrations.
When Celebrated: December
Location: Visakhapatnam
What To Expect: Cultural programs like traditional dance forms and Carnatic music
In some regions of India, Ugadi is also called Gudi Padwa, a highly observed event in Telangana. According to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, Telangana residents celebrate Ugadi. Several exquisite sweets are created today, including Puran Poli & Bhakshya.
The custom is to make a garland out of banana leaves & put it on the door. The day is memorable with new clothes, lighting, and treats after a special PUJA (prayer). During this festival, Ugadipachadi (pickle), which mixes six flavors, including spicy, sweet, and two varieties of sour, bitter, and salt, is prepared.
When Celebrated: March
Location: Visakhapatnam
What To Expect: Excahnge of Music and Delicious Food
Perla Panduga is a festival held in the Telangana State and is jointly observed by Hindus and Muslims. Ashurkhana is a festival that is observed at Sufi shrines all around the world. As part of Muharram, the Alam relic is carried out in a procession. Many relics might be present, each donated by a different procession participant.
For Muslims, Muharram is a significant holiday called Peerla Panduga in Telangana. During this celebration, participants march while shouting YaHussain, a collection of Sufi Shrines. For Muslims, Peerla Panduga is a time of deep sorrow as they lament the passing of Imam Hussein. Relics passed down through generations by the same family members can be found in several Telangana villages.
When Celebrated: Muharram
Location: Visakhapatnam
What To Expect: Peer Panja
Overall these are the most well-known celebrations in Telangana, a state with a rich cultural tradition and many festivals. The state’s creative expressions and vibrant hues will not only envelop you in splendor but also leave an enduring impression.
The state’s distinctive feature has propelled it to the top of the list of the places in the nation where people go to worship. Visit Telangana during these events if you are resolved on making Telangana the destination of your next vacation. We hope you must have acknwowledged all the 8 most popular festivals in Telangana.
