Bathukamma Festival Begins Amidst Weather Alerts

Hyderabad, September 21, 2025 The vibrant Bathukamma festival, a significant cultural celebration in Telangana, commenced today, September 21, 2025. This floral festival, dedicated to Goddess Gauri, is marked by women arranging seasonal flowers in a conical shape and singing traditional songs. The festivities are set to continue until September 29, culminating in the immersion of the Bathukamma in water bodies. However, the celebrations are taking place under the shadow of weather warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Several districts, including Nagarkurnool, Nirmal, Wanaparthy, Adilabad, and Karimnagar, have been placed under orange and yellow alerts due to the forecast of heavy to moderate rains and thunderstorms. The IMD has advised residents to exercise caution during outdoor activities and to stay updated on weather advisories. In a related development, the Telangana government is considering initiating the panchayat election process before the High Court's September 30 deadline. A high-level meeting led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy deliberated on the matter, with discussions focusing on ensuring the extension of the 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local bodies. The government is awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling on the timeframes for Presidential and gubernatorial assent to legislation, which could affect the election process.