Bathukamma is a living testament to Telangana’s rich heritage: Heroshini

Draped in a traditional langa voni and bedecked with exquisite jewellery, actress Heroshini Komali radiated ethnic charm as she welcomed Hyderabad Times into her Bachupally residence. The nine-day Bathukamma festival, held during Dasara, is a time for celebration and rejoicing. “Beyond the rituals and adornments, Bathukamma is an emotional connection, like welcoming a cherished sister home each year. Throughout the nine days of the festival, all the women in the family convene at a different location each day to take part in the celebrations. It’s so much fun,” she says, settling down for a chat. Excerpts:

"Beyond the rituals, the festival is an emotional connection, like welcoming a cherished sister home each year"

It’s a celebration of sisterhood
Bathukamma is unlike any other festival; it’s a living testament to the vibrant tapestry of Telangana’s rich cultural heritage. The tradition of women collectively welcoming the Goddess home resonates as a celebration of sisterhood. It’s a festival that rejuvenates my spirit and also gives me the strength to pursue my dreams.

I love gorging on the prasadams
Each year, my family cooks up a storm during the festival, and it’s the prasadams that I look forward to the most. Starting from Engili Pula Bathukamma and continuing through to Saddhula Bathukamma, our kitchen becomes a hub of activity, conjuring up a variety of sweet and savoury dishes.

I love dancing my heart out
Dance forms the very heartbeat of this festival. The rhythmic claps and graceful movements have been a cherished part of our celebrations since childhood. Continuing the tradition of dancing around the resplendent Bathukamma, adorned with beautiful seasonal flowers, brings me immense joy. There’s a unique magic in dancing fervently as the sun sets, bidding a fond farewell to Her (Bathukamma).

Bathukamma is a time to celebrate tradition
Whether it’s selecting heirloom jewellery and sarees from my mom’s wardrobe for the nine days or adorning vibrant matti gajulu, I have a deep affection for traditional attire during the festive season. Langa vonis and Kanjeevaram sarees infuse a sense of nostalgia into the celebrations, connecting me to my cultural roots.

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