Bhatukamma 2025: A Day-by-Day Ritual Guide for Celebrating Goddess Gauri at Home
Introduction: The Divine Festival of Flowers
Bhatukamma, meaning “Mother Goddess, come alive,” is Telangana’s most cherished festival celebrating the divine feminine power of Goddess Gauri. This nine-day festival, typically falling in September-October during Ashwina Masam, transforms homes into temples of devotion through the sacred art of flower arrangements and traditional rituals.
The festival celebrates the life-giving power of nature, fertility, and the protective grace of the Divine Mother. Each day has its unique significance, special flowers, and ritualistic importance, culminating in the grand Saddula Bhatukamma on the ninth day.
Day 1: Enguli Bhatukamma (Sesame Flowers Day)
Date in 2025: September 20, 2025 Theme: New Beginnings and Purification
Flowers and Materials Required:
- Primary Flowers: White chrysanthemums, jasmine buds
- Tender Greens: Fresh sesame leaves, mint leaves, coriander
- Sacred Items: Turmeric, kumkum, rice, small oil lamp
- Additional: Banana leaf (as base), cotton wicks
Step-by-Step Puja Process:
- Preparation (Early Morning):
- Clean the puja area and sprinkle turmeric water
- Place a fresh banana leaf as the base
- Arrange a small kalash (water pot) in the center
- Bhatukamma Construction:
- Start with sesame leaves forming the base layer
- Layer white chrysanthemums in circular patterns
- Add jasmine buds as the topmost layer
- Place a small diya (oil lamp) at the center top
- Invocation:
- Light the lamp and offer prayers
- Sprinkle turmeric and kumkum
- Offer rice and water
Simple Aarti for Day 1:
Enguli Bhatukamma, Gauri Mata
Sesame flowers se, karo raksha
Naya shuruaat ka, ashirwad do
Mangal kaamna, purn karo
(O Enguli Bhatukamma, Mother Gauri
With sesame flowers, provide protection
Bless this new beginning
Fulfill all auspicious wishes)
Flower Sourcing Tips:
- Visit local flower markets early morning for fresh jasmine
- Collect sesame leaves from kitchen gardens or markets
- Ensure all greens are pesticide-free and fresh
Day 2: Atkulu Bhatukamma (Rice Flakes Day)
Date in 2025: September 21, 2025 Theme: Nourishment and Abundance
Flowers and Materials Required:
- Primary Flowers: Yellow marigolds, orange marigolds
- Special Addition: Fresh rice flakes (poha/atukulu)
- Greens: Curry leaves, basil leaves
- Sacred Items: Jaggery, coconut pieces
Puja Process:
- Special Offering Preparation:
- Mix rice flakes with jaggery and coconut
- Prepare as prasadam for the Goddess
- Arrangement:
- Create base with curry and basil leaves
- Layer marigolds in alternating yellow and orange circles
- Sprinkle rice flakes between flower layers
Day 2 Aarti:
Atkulu Bhatukamma, anna data
Dhanya se bhara, ghar hamara
Sampannata ki, devi mata
Kripa karo, Gauri mata
(Atkulu Bhatukamma, giver of grains
Our home is filled with prosperity
O Divine Mother of abundance
Shower your grace, Mother Gauri)
Day 3: Muddapappu Bhatukamma (Lentil Day)
Date in 2025: September 22, 2025 Theme: Health and Strength
Flowers and Materials Required:
- Primary Flowers: Red roses, pink roses
- Special Element: Cooked lentils (mudda pappu)
- Greens: Neem leaves, tulsi leaves
- Aromatics: Sandalwood paste, camphor
Unique Ritual Elements:
- Prepare a small portion of plain cooked dal as offering
- Use neem leaves for their purifying properties
- Apply sandalwood paste to the kalash
Day 3 Aarti:
Muddapappu Bhatukamma, shakti data
Swasthya aur bal, dene wali mata
Neera roga se, raksha karo
Bal aur buddhi, vriddhi karo
(Muddapappu Bhatukamma, giver of strength
Mother who grants health and power
Protect from all diseases
Increase our strength and wisdom)
Day 4: Nanabiyyam Bhatukamma (Colorful Rice Day)
Date in 2025: September 23, 2025 Theme: Diversity and Unity
Flowers and Materials Required:
- Multi-colored Flowers: Mixed roses, mixed chrysanthemums
- Special Rice: Colored rice (turmeric yellow, kumkum red)
- Varieties: Different colored flower petals
- Decoration: Small mirrors, colorful threads
Creative Arrangement:
- Use different colored rice to create patterns
- Arrange flowers in rainbow-like sequences
- Add small decorative mirrors between flowers
Day 4 Aarti:
Nanabiyyam Bhatukamma, rang rangili
Vividhata mein, ekta ki devi
Har rang mein, tera hi roop
Mata Gauri, tu anoop
(Nanabiyyam Bhatukamma, colorful one
Goddess of unity in diversity
In every color, only your form exists
Mother Gauri, you are unique)
Day 5: Atla Bhatukamma (Full Moon Preparation)
Date in 2025: September 24, 2025 Theme: Purity and Devotion
Flowers and Materials Required:
- Pure White Flowers: White lotus, white roses, jasmine
- Silver Elements: Silver leaves (if available), white cloth
- Special Offerings: Milk, honey, white sweets
- Purification: Ganga jal, tulsi water
Enhanced Rituals:
- Perform abhishekam with milk and honey
- Use only white and pure elements
- Extended meditation and prayer session
Day 5 Aarti:
Atla Bhatukamma, pavitra mata
Safed phoolon se, sajaya gaya
Suddh bhakti se, puja karte
Mata Gauri, darshan deti
(Atla Bhatukamma, pure mother
Decorated with white flowers
With pure devotion we worship
Mother Gauri grants darshan)
Day 6: Aligina Bhatukamma (Ginger Day)
Date in 2025: September 25, 2025 Theme: Healing and Protection
Flowers and Materials Required:
- Healing Flowers: Hibiscus, red roses
- Special Element: Fresh ginger pieces, ginger leaves
- Medicinal Herbs: Tulsi, neem, mint
- Protective Items: Red thread, iron nail (for protection)
Health-Focused Rituals:
- Place fresh ginger around the arrangement
- Use medicinal herbs generously
- Pray specifically for family health
Day 6 Aarti:
Aligina Bhatukamma, vaidya mata
Aushadhi guno se, bharpoor
Rog aur shok se, mukti do
Swasthya sampada, devi ma
(Aligina Bhatukamma, physician mother
Full of medicinal qualities
Grant freedom from disease and sorrow
Bestow the wealth of health, Divine Mother)
Day 7: Vepakayala Bhatukamma (Neem Day)
Date in 2025: September 26, 2025 Theme: Purification and Cleansing
Flowers and Materials Required:
- Purifying Flowers: White and yellow chrysanthemums
- Primary Element: Fresh neem leaves, neem flowers
- Cleansing Items: Camphor, incense, sacred ash
- Protection: Black sesame seeds, mustard seeds
Purification Focused Rituals:
- Burn camphor for spiritual cleansing
- Use neem extensively for its purifying properties
- Perform special protection prayers
Day 7 Aarti:
Vepakayala Bhatukamma, shuddh karne wali
Neem ki shakti se, paavan mata
Buri nazar se, bachane wali
Mata Gauri, rakshak devi
(Vepakayala Bhatukamma, purifier
Sacred mother with neem's power
Protector from evil eye
Mother Gauri, protective goddess)
Day 8: Vennamuddala Bhatukamma (Butter Day)
Date in 2025: September 27, 2025 Theme: Nourishment and Prosperity
Flowers and Materials Required:
- Rich Flowers: Deep red roses, orange marigolds
- Special Offering: Fresh butter, milk products
- Prosperity Items: Coins, rice, turmeric
- Abundance Symbols: Fruits, nuts, sweets
Prosperity Rituals:
- Offer fresh homemade butter
- Include symbols of abundance
- Perform Lakshmi prayers alongside Gauri worship
Day 8 Aarti:
Vennamuddala Bhatukamma, sampada devi
Makhan aur dudh ka, bhog lagaya
Dhan dhanya se, bhar do ghar
Mata Gauri, kripa karo
(Vennamuddala Bhatukamma, goddess of wealth
Offered butter and milk
Fill the home with wealth and grains
Mother Gauri, shower your grace)
Day 9: Saddula Bhatukamma (Royal Flowers Day)
Date in 2025: September 28, 2025 Theme: Grand Celebration and Culmination
Royal Flowers and Materials:
- Premium Flowers: Red roses, pink roses, jasmine, lotus
- Exotic Additions: Orchids, lilies (if available)
- Royal Elements: Gold colored items, silk cloth
- Grand Offerings: Variety of fruits, elaborate prasadam
- Ceremonial Items: Conch shell, brass lamps
Grand Puja Process:
- Elaborate Preparation:
- Create the largest and most beautiful arrangement
- Use silk cloth as base instead of banana leaf
- Arrange flowers in intricate patterns
- Royal Decoration:
- Layer flowers in pyramid formation
- Use jasmine strings to create borders
- Place multiple oil lamps around
- Grand Aarti and Celebration:
- Extended aarti session
- Community singing (if possible)
- Distribution of prasadam
Grand Saddula Aarti:
Saddula Bhatukamma, maha devi
Rajsi phoolon se, viraajman
Nau din ki, bhakti purn kar
Mata Gauri, mangal karo
Bhatukamma uyyalo, Bhatukamma uyyalo
Gauri devi, ashirwad do
Saddula Bhatukamma, maha rani
Sab manokamna, purn karo
(Saddula Bhatukamma, great goddess
Adorned with royal flowers
Completing nine days of devotion
Mother Gauri, bless us with auspiciousness
Bhatukamma uyyalo, Bhatukamma uyyalo
Goddess Gauri, give your blessings
Saddula Bhatukamma, great queen
Fulfill all our heart's desires)
Traditional Bhatukamma Songs and Celebrations
Classic Bhatukamma Song:
Bhatukamma uyyalo, Bhatukamma uyyalo
Gauri devi, mana Bhatukamma uyyalo
Engili puvulo, Bhatukamma uyyalo
Entilalo konni, Bhatukamma uyyalo
Gauri devi, mana Bhatukamma uyyalo
Atkula puvulo, Bhatukamma uyyalo
Alludu chelimi, Bhatukamma uyyalo
Gauri devi, mana Bhatukamma uyyalo
Daily Puja Timings and Best Practices
Optimal Timing:
- Morning Puja: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
- Evening Celebration: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Special Days: Extended sessions on Days 1, 5, and 9
General Guidelines:
- Flower Care:
- Source flowers early morning for freshness
- Store in cool water until use
- Avoid wilted or damaged flowers
- Arrangement Tips:
- Start from outer circle, work inward
- Maintain symmetrical patterns
- Keep water sprinkler handy for freshness
- Spiritual Preparation:
- Take bath before puja
- Wear clean, preferably traditional clothes
- Maintain fasting or light eating during puja time
- Family Involvement:
- Encourage all family members to participate
- Assign different tasks to children
- Share stories and significance with young ones
Special Prasadam Recipes for Each Day
Day 1 – Sesame Laddu:
- Mix sesame seeds, jaggery, and ghee
- Form small balls as offering
Day 2 – Sweet Poha:
- Cook rice flakes with jaggery and dry fruits
- Offer as prasadam
Day 3 – Dal Payasam:
- Prepare sweet lentil pudding
- Garnish with nuts
Day 9 – Royal Mix:
- Combine various sweets and fruits
- Create elaborate prasadam platter
Flower Sourcing Calendar for 2025
Best Markets and Timing:
- Local Temple Flower Vendors: 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM
- Wholesale Flower Markets: 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM
- Garden Centers: Previous evening pre-orders
- Home Gardens: Early morning picking
Cost-Effective Tips:
- Buy flowers in bulk for all 9 days
- Coordinate with neighbors for group purchases
- Grow jasmine and marigolds at home
- Reuse durable leaves and stems
Modern Adaptations for Urban Homes
Space-Conscious Arrangements:
- Create table-top Bhatukamma versions
- Use decorative plates instead of banana leaves
- LED diyas for apartment safety
- Artificial flowers mixed with fresh ones for longevity
Time-Saving Tips:
- Pre-cut stems the previous evening
- Prepare offerings in advance
- Use pre-made flower garlands as base
- Simple arrangements with focus on devotion over elaborate design
Conclusion: The Spiritual Significance
Bhatukamma is more than a festival; it’s a celebration of life, fertility, and the divine feminine power that nurtures all creation. Each day builds upon the previous, creating a crescendo of devotion that peaks on Saddula Bhatukamma.
The festival teaches us to find the divine in nature’s simple gifts – flowers, leaves, grains, and water. Through this nine-day journey, devotees connect with the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth that Goddess Gauri represents.
As you celebrate Bhatukamma 2025, remember that the true beauty lies not just in the elaborate flower arrangements, but in the pure devotion and gratitude offered to the Divine Mother who sustains all life.
Final Prayer:
Bhatukamma devi, mata Gauri
Nau din ki bhakti sweekar karo
Jeevan mein khushi aur shanti
Sada humko ashirwad do
Uyyalo Bhatukamma, uyyalo Bhatukamma
Maha devi, kripa karo
Sab santano ki raksha kar
Mangal kalyaan, hamesha do
May Goddess Gauri bless all devotees with happiness, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment through the sacred celebration of Bhatukamma 2025.
For more devotional content and Hindu festival guides, visit www.hindutone.com
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