Bathukamma Day 6: The Aligina Bathukamma – Why is it Called So?

On the sixth day of the Bathukamma festival, it is called “Aligina Bathukamma,” meaning “the upset Bathukamma.” Devotees believe that on this day, the goddess is upset, and the rituals reflect the effort to appease her. Bathukamma, a festival deeply rooted in Telangana’s culture, is a celebration of womanhood. It symbolizes the state’s traditions and lifestyle, and for nine days, every street in Telangana is filled with joy and festivities. The celebrations begin with “Engilipuvvu Bathukamma” on the first day and conclude with “Saddula Bathukamma” on the ninth day.

This year, the Bathukamma festivities began on September 28th. So far, five days of celebrations have been completed, including Engilipuvvu Bathukamma, Atukula Bathukamma, Muddapappu Bathukamma, Nanabiyyam Bathukamma, and Atla Bathukamma. On the sixth day, known as “Aligina Bathukamma,” devotees believe that the goddess is displeased, and they pray to resolve her anger. Unlike other days, no offerings (naivedyam) are made on this day. The tradition dates back to an incident where, while arranging Bathukamma, a piece of meat accidentally fell on it, leading to a belief of an offense. Since then, Bathukamma is not played on the sixth day, and it is known as “Aligina Bathukamma.”

Here’s a Bathukamma song for you:

Rama Rama Rama Uyyaalo, Rama is Shri Rama Uyyaalo,
Rama Rama Nandi Uyyaalo, the melody doesn’t match Uyyaalo,
The sun is on the head Uyyaalo, where is the land Uyyaalo,
The moon is in the palm Uyyaalo, Kumara, the strong one Uyyaalo,
The elders received Uyyaalo, the month of festivities Uyyaalo,
The children received Uyyaalo, the Bathukamma festival Uyyaalo,
White temples Uyyaalo, temples of Tellamma Uyyaalo,
Twelve years ago Uyyaalo, the temples fell into ruins Uyyaalo,

In Vemulawada Uyyaalo, the temples of Raja Uyyaalo,
In black temples Uyyaalo, the temples of Nallamma Uyyaalo,
In black Nalgonda Uyyaalo, the temples of Narasimha Uyyaalo,
In green temples Uyyaalo, the temples of Pachamma Uyyaalo,

In Paraka’s green Uyyaalo, the temples of Mallanna Uyyaalo,
Mallanna of the mountains Uyyaalo, the words come to an end Uyyaalo,
Rama Rama Rama Uyyaalo, Rama is Shri Rama Uyyaalo…”