Festivals of Telangana are the reflection of the culture of the state and the art form of South India. The people of Telangana not only celebrate the major festivals of India like Dassera, Holi, Eid, Ramzan, Bhai-duj, but also celebrate certain regional festivals like Bonalu festival, Bathukamma Festival, Yedupayala Yatara in Medak district, Sammakka Saralamma in Warangal District of the state.
Bonalu Festival
Bonalu is celebrated in the month of Ashada or in July/August. The special worships in Bonalu are performed for Yellamma on the first and last day of the festival. Bonalu is also considered as a thanksgiving to the Goddess for fulfilment of promises. The word "Bonam" means "Bojanaalu" or a meal in Telugu language which is an offering to the Goddess Mahankali. Women bring cooked rice with milk and sugar in a brass pot, which is adorned with small neem branches, turmeric, vermilion or white chalk with a lamp on the top. They place the pots on their heads and take it to the temple, led by drummers and dancing men. These pots are called Bonalu. The male dancers are called Potharajus.
Bathukamma Festival
Bathukamma festival in Telangana is also known as Bodemma. This festival is celebrated in the months of September - October for nine days during Navaratri. It starts on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya and ends two days before Dussehra known as Durgashtami. Women celebrate the festival dressed-up in traditional silk sarees. Bathukamma festival is celebrated with religious fervour in the Telangana State. Bathukamma means `immortal woman`. It is a month long festival where Goddess Batakamma`s idol is worshipped and is made to float on the rivers and lakes. It is celebrated to glorify womanhood and her celestial place in the family set up.
Yedupayala Yatra
Yedupayala Yatra festival is celebrated in Telangana with pomp and glory. Yedupayala is in Medak District and is a sacred spot, where the seven tributaries of the Manjira join and flow together. The annual journey is held on Mahashivaratri day. This religious journey attracts thousands of pilgrims.
Sammakka Saralamma Yatra
Sammakka Saralamma Yatra is celebrated once in two years in Medaram Village of Warangal District. This is one of the most sacred-religious and largest tribal gathering festivals in Telangana. This Yatra provides an opportunity of interaction between tribals and non tribals of different parts of India. It is a symbol of common bond between tribals and their belief in cultural heritage of original India. The festive ambience set in on November 14 and would continue till December 13.
Lambadi
Lambadi dance is performed by Ganjara tribal people, a semi-nomadic tribe seen all over Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Costumes during Lambadi are embroidered with glass beads and mirrors, ornate jewellery, ivory bangles and brass anklets. The natural rhythm makes this dance a colourful exposition of joy which is the emphasization of the colourful fest.
Gonda Dance
Gonda dance festival is performed by the young people of the state. It is a joyous celebration of the victory of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama over the demons that were depicted in Indian Mythology. The festival activities in Telangana are marked by spectacular fireworks, and the burning of the effigies representing the vanquished demons.
Peerla Panduga
Muharram or Peerla Panduga is an important festival in Telangana. This festival is marked by processions with a relic called Alam. Ashurkhana, representing a group of Sufi Shrines, is the area where the procession takes place. Many Muslims and even Hindus take part in this festival by chanting "Ya Hussain".
Nagoba Yatra
Nagoba Yatra is a tribal festival held in Keslapur village of Adilabad District. It is the second biggest tribal carnival and celebrated by Mesaram clan of Gond tribes for 10 days. It starts in the month of pushya.
Other Festivals of Telangana
Some other popular Festivals of Telangana are Chittaramma Yatra, Prataparudra Singaraaya Yatra, Dussehra etc.
