KTR questions state government's neglect of Bathukamma festival arrangements

HYDERABAD: BRS Working President K Taraka Rama Rao has criticised the state government for what he described as neglectful arrangements for the Bathukamma festival. In a recent statement, KTR expressed disappointment over the lack of basic preparations, including cleanliness and infrastructure in villages during the festive period.

KTR questioned the government’s indifference towards Bathukamma, a festival cherished by women in Telangana. He pointed out that no proper arrangements were made to ensure that women could celebrate the festival in clean surroundings, alleging that the villages remained littered with waste and lacked essential amenities. "Are our sisters expected to celebrate amidst garbage and foul surroundings?" he asked, adding that it was disheartening for women not to have the chance to celebrate in a dignified and clean environment.

Highlighting the poor state of the village panchayats, KTR noted that there was an apparent lack of funds for basic services like bleaching powder for sanitation or even lighting near water bodies where celebrations take place. He questioned why such dire circumstances had emerged, preventing even a state festival from being organised with the necessary support.

KTR also raised concerns over the cancellation of the distribution of Bathukamma sarees, suggesting that this, along with the inadequate festive arrangements, reflected a larger issue of neglect for women's traditions and well-being in Telangana. He underscored the significance of Bathukamma as a celebration of nature, with women gathering to worship flowers, and questioned why the state government did not prioritise the provision of a clean and celebratory atmosphere.

“Is the government suggesting that there is no need for grand celebrations of Bathukamma anymore?” KTR asked, expressing his dismay at the perceived lack of enthusiasm and support from the authorities.

He called on the government to recognise the cultural importance of Bathukamma, which has become a symbol of Telangana’s identity.