RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Bathukamma, meaning “Mother Goddess come alive,” is the floral festival of life and togetherness celebrated predominantly in the Indian state of Telangana, and its annual celebration is quickly becoming part of Rancho Cordova’s diverse cultural landscape.

Festive Bathukamma flowers were arranged with different seasonal flowers at Labyrinth Park in Rancho Cordova on Saturday, October 9^th. With seven concentric layers forming the shape of a temple tower, the stage center of the newly developed park hosted dancers synchronizing claps and steps while singing folk songs.

In the last 4 years, Bathukamma has played a crucial role in our cultural integration which has helped strengthen a sense of community in Rancho Cordova. This year many new residents and first-time participants actively participated in Bathukamma with revived excitement and vigor. As new housing developments continue, we expect this festival to grow bigger each year. Based on yearly participation, Bathukamma is the second biggest social event next to the 4th of July Celebration. This is a truly democratic festival welcoming everyone and isn’t restricted to any community, culture, or religions.

Bathukamma is an integral part of Telangana culture which brings people together in much the same way as a social revolution. Bathukamma’s music played a crucial role in India fighting for a separate Telangana state. Evoking human emotions such as sorrow, joy, and revolt against suppression, its themes have educated and motivated the masses to be part of socio-economic movements demanding political change.

After the formation of the State of Telangana, the festival gained worldwide recognition with even heads of the states joining in the celebration. New Zealand Prime minister Jacinda Ardern was the first Prime Minister of a country to attend a Bathukamma Festival. The festival has continued to spread worldwide with celebrations in many countries across the globe. The festival’s nature-oriented themes correspond with our increased awareness of climate, and the changes which threaten the existence of all who live in our planet. Bathukamma reminds us that protecting our environment is critical, and that all life comes from nature and goes back to nature.

In 2019, we saw over 2000 community members participating in the festival, and organizers were anticipating lower participation (around 500) this year, but a community outpouring of more than 1200 attended the event! I believe our community was looking for an occasion to meet with family and friends after the year-long COVID lockdown. One attendee said, “we are celebrating the festival with a lot of joy this year because last year we could not celebrate due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

City of Rancho Cordova Mayor Garret Gatewood, City Councilmember Siri Pulipati, Folsom Cordova School Board Trustee Chris Clark, Rancho Cordova Park District Chairperson Rick Sloan, and President and CEO of Rancho Cordova Travel and Tourism Marc Sapoznik were part of the attendees along with their families. New residents of the city and their guests who witnessed the Flower festival for the first time thanked the Sacramento Telangana Association for bringing a wonderful festival to the city. STA Organization President Laxma Reddy thanked his board members, board of Trustees, volunteers, sponsors, and media partner Swara Media for the passion, creativity, and team-building spirit which helped make this festival a grand success.

Mayor Gatewood and Councilmember Pulipati addressed the community reiterating their continued support for the funding of the festival, which is one the largest in the region, helping to promote a positive image of Rancho Cordova.