Ammu Ammamma Bathukamma: Picturebook Graduation Project for fostering cultural awareness among children

Abstract

Bathukamma is a cultural repository of the people of Telangana. It is a festival dedicated to Devi Gauri and perhaps the only one in the country where flowers become the goddess itself. During it’s nine day period, parallel to Navratri, women visit their maternal homes, create beautiful, cone-shaped flower arrangements using seasonal blossoms. They gather in groups to sing songs, dance in circles around the Bathukamma, and offer prayers. The festival not only reflects gratitude for nature, but also makes space for women to express their joys and sorrows and provides them the time to relax, unwind and enjoy the festivities.