Hyderabad, 18 October (H.S.): A 72-foot floral Bathukamma was the centre of attraction at the Bathukamma festival celebrations in Hyderabad's Amberpet on Sunday, with organisers announcing that the installation had earned recognition in the Universal Book of Records. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy led the celebrations, which were attended by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, the First Lady and Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao, along with leaders from various political parties.

Thousands of women, children and elderly people gathered around the floral arrangement, singing traditional Bathukamma songs and participating in the festivities. The celebrations brought together people from different sections of society, with participants dressed in festive attire forming circles around the flower stacks.

Addressing the gathering, Kishan Reddy described Bathukamma as a symbol of Telangana's culture, traditions and self-respect. He said the festival brought women together to worship nature through flowers, songs and dance, transcending distinctions of wealth, caste and social status.

The 72-foot Bathukamma was organised by the Devi Foundation, which has been conducting the Amberpet celebrations for the past 20 years. Foundation chairperson Neelima received the certificate from representatives of the Universal Book of Records.

Kishan Reddy also recalled the festival's historical association with the Telangana armed struggle against Nizam rule. He prayed for protection from natural calamities and for the health, happiness and prosperity of the people. He also conveyed his festive greetings and expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would continue to serve the country in good health and extend welfare measures to the people.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar