Bathukamma is a beautiful conical stack of seasonal flowers arranged in concentric layers that resembles a temple gopuram (tower). It is offered to Goddess Gauri (Parvati). The arrangement is both an art and a ritual passed down through generations. Here is the traditional method followed in Telangana.

Traditional flowers listed are the classical Telangana choices; NRI substitutes are provided for those in USA, UK, Canada, Australia where original flowers are hard to find.

Traditional Flowers Used

The ideal flowers are local, seasonal and often medicinal:

LayerTraditional FlowersCommon Alternatives (if traditional unavailable)
BaseTangedu (Cassia/Senna - yellow)Yellow marigolds, chrysanthemums
2Gunugu / Celosia (red, pink, purple)Cockscomb, dyed celosia
3Seetamma Jada / CockscombMarigold, chrysanthemum
4-6Banthi (Marigold), Chamanthi (Chrysanthemum), Shanku, TekuHibiscus, cosmos, zinnia, any bright seasonal flowers
TopGummadi (Pumpkin flower) or LotusHibiscus or large marigold

Other flowers commonly used: Katla, Poka Banti (Globe Amaranth), Vaama, etc.

Materials Needed

  • Wide circular plate or Thambalam (brass, steel or copper plate)
  • Banana leaves or Vistharaaku (leaf plate) for the base
  • Fresh flowers with short stems (2-4 inches)
  • Pumpkin leaves or other green leaves (for filling the centre)
  • Thin cotton thread or soft string
  • Turmeric lump (Gauramma / Pasupu) or a small pumpkin flower for the top
  • Optional: small diya (lamp)

Step-by-Step Arrangement Technique

1. Prepare the Base

  • Place the Thambalam (plate) on a clean surface
  • Lay two threads crosswise (perpendicular) at the centre so the ends hang out - these will be used to tie the stack later
  • Cover the plate with a banana leaf or Vistharaaku, dull side up
  • Optionally, place a thin layer of pumpkin leaves or rice grains around the edge

2. Start the First (Bottom) Layer

  • Use large yellow Tangedu flowers (or yellow marigolds if unavailable)
  • Arrange them in a full circle facing outward, slightly overlapping each other
  • Keep the stems pointing toward the centre
  • This layer should be the widest

3. Build Upward in Concentric Layers

  • Each new layer should be slightly smaller than the one below, creating a cone shape
  • Fill the hollow centre with leaves or leftover flower pieces so the structure stays firm
  • Alternate colours for beauty:
    • Layer 2: Gunugu (red/pink celosia)
    • Layer 3: Bright marigolds or cockscomb
    • Layer 4-6: Mix of chrysanthemums, hibiscus and other colourful flowers
  • Trim protruding stems and petals as you go for a neat, compact look
  • Maintain even spacing and circular symmetry

4. Shape the Cone

  • Continue stacking until you have 7 layers (traditional number) or as many as your flowers allow
  • The structure should taper gradually toward the top like a temple tower
  • Gently press each layer so it holds firmly

5. Top the Bathukamma

  • Place a large pumpkin flower (Gummadi Puvvu) or lotus at the very top
  • Inside or on top of it, place a small lump of turmeric (Gauramma) representing Goddess Gauri
  • Some women also place a small lit diya at the peak

6. Secure the Arrangement

  • Bring the hanging thread ends up and gently tie them over the top flower to hold everything in place
  • Do not tie too tightly - the arrangement should hold naturally with its layered weight

Tips for Perfect Bathukamma

  • Collect flowers early in the morning when they are fresh
  • Cut stems short and make a fresh cut under water if possible
  • Work on a clean, flat surface facing east or north
  • Keep the centre hollow initially, then fill it with leaves for stability
  • For bigger community Bathukammas, use a bamboo frame or larger base and build higher
  • In the USA or places where traditional flowers are scarce, use marigolds, chrysanthemums, roses and available seasonal flowers while keeping the conical layered form
  • Use flower florist pin frog or foam base for very large Bathukammas as extra support
  • Mist flowers with water occasionally to keep them fresh through the event

Common Variations

  • Home Bathukamma: Smaller, 5-7 layers, made daily during the 9-day period
  • Saddula Bathukamma (final day): Larger and more elaborate; women wear best silk sarees
  • Community / USA events: Very large structures (sometimes 10-40+ feet) built by many volunteers, often on stage
  • Miniature Bathukamma: For balcony or apartment - 5-7 inch small version, ideal for NRI apartments
  • Children's Bathukamma: Kids build their own smaller versions for practice and cultural learning

USA-Specific Adaptation Notes

  • Buy flowers 1-2 days before from Costco, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, farmer's markets, or Indian groceries stocking bulk marigolds
  • Bulk order in advance from florist wholesalers for large community events - typically 500-2000 stems needed for a 10-foot Bathukamma
  • Substitute Tangedu with yellow marigolds or dahlias
  • Substitute Gunugu with red or pink celosia
  • Use apartment-friendly plate if space-limited - a 12-inch dinner plate + 5-6 layers works well
  • Store extra flowers in cool water in refrigerator to preserve freshness
  • Compost flowers after immersion / display rather than trashing

Traditional Bathukamma Songs to Sing While Building

Women often sing folk songs while building the Bathukamma. Popular ones:

Advertisement
  • "Bathukamma Bathukamma Uyyalo" (most famous - available on YouTube)
  • "Poola Bandi" songs
  • "Gauramma Uyyalo" variations
  • Sacred verses invoking Goddess Gauri

Search YouTube for "Bathukamma folk songs" playlists - many Telangana singers have released comprehensive collections.

After the Arrangement - Ritual Sequence

  1. Place the completed Bathukamma in a clean puja area
  2. Light a diya and offer haldi + kumkum
  3. Perform Gauri Puja with the traditional mantra
  4. Gather women (and men welcome) in a circle around the Bathukamma
  5. Sing traditional Bathukamma songs while performing aatapata (circular dance with clapping)
  6. Offer Naivedyam - typically Sakinalu, Ariselu, seasonal fruits, chana, jaggery
  7. Break the circle after sunset
  8. Ceremonially immerse the Bathukamma in a nearby lake, river, or - for NRIs - a large water vessel that can be later poured in a garden

FAQ

How many layers does a traditional Bathukamma have?

7 layers is traditional, though smaller ones can be 5-6 and grand community ones can have 15-20+.

Can I use silk/artificial flowers if fresh unavailable?

Traditionally fresh flowers are preferred. Some NRI families use a mix or all silk when fresh are hard to source. Spirit of devotion matters more than material.

What is Gauramma?

A small lump of turmeric shaped like the Goddess. Symbolises Goddess Gauri (Parvati) at the top of the Bathukamma.

Can men participate in making Bathukamma?

Yes - especially for large community Bathukammas requiring physical effort. Traditionally women lead the ritual (Gauri Puja + folk singing), but men, children and all family members participate.

How do I keep flowers fresh through the day?

Mist with cool water, keep in shade, refrigerate spare flowers, cut stems fresh just before placement.

What is done after Bathukamma is complete?

After Gauri Puja + folk singing + aatapata, the Bathukamma is ceremonially immersed in water (traditionally a lake or river). Then women exchange vaayanam (gifts of flowers/jewellery/prasad) with each other.

Bottom Line

Making a Bathukamma is considered a folk art passed down through generations. The beauty lies in symmetry, colour contrast and devotion rather than perfection. Once ready, women gather around it, sing traditional Bathukamma songs, and circle it in aatapata.

Bathukamma... Bathukamma...!

Disclaimer: Cultural practices vary by region within Telangana. This guide reflects widely-followed traditional techniques. Local family customs may differ - honour your own family's variations.

Advertisement