Two US states recognise Bathukamma festival

Two US states in the southeast and North Carolina cities have decided to recognise the Bathukamma festival as an official festival in October.
The states of North Carolina and Georgia and cities like Charlotte and Raleigh have formally declared a Bathukamma Festival Week and Telangana Heritage Week.
In a proclamation they recognized the cultural significance of Bathukamma, a vibrant nine-day floral festival celebrated in Telangana. Mayor Alexander Lyles proclaimed October 3-11, 2024, as “Bathukamma, A Flower Festival and Telangana Heritage Week,” highlighting the contributions of the Telugu-speaking community to Charlotte’s cultural diversity and North Carolina’s progress.
The Telugu community in these regions has played a key role in enriching local culture, with Bathukamma symbolising the deep connection between human beings and nature and is marked by dance, flowers and family reunions.
Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp commended the celebration of Bathukamma and its importance to the cultural heritage of the state.
“The State of Telangana in India with its 5,000-year history is a symbol of cultural diversity and inclusiveness, showcasing India’s arts, traditions and religions.
The Telugu-speaking community from Telangana has enriched Georgia’s cultural diversity and contributed to its progress in fields like medicine, engineering, politics and community welfare, he said.
Bathukamma Panduga, celebrated from October 15 to 23, 2024, is a vibrant nine-day floral festival that honours the connection between human beings, the earth and water through joyful gatherings and dances.