Hyderabad’s picturesque Tank Bund was beautifully adorned on Saturday evening, all set to host its much-anticipated Bathukamma festivities. However, despite the diligent efforts and elaborate arrangements made by the authorities, the celebrations witnessed a notably subdued turnout.
The State government, in collaboration with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), had meticulously organized a variety of cultural programs and set up engaging traditional activity stalls along the scenic lakefront to honor the vibrant floral festival. Women who managed to make it to the venue gracefully placed their flower arrangements around the lake and participated in heartfelt devotional singing, though their numbers were significantly fewer than anticipated.
In a further complication, traffic restrictions imposed in and around Tank Bund to facilitate the event inadvertently caused inconvenience for commuters navigating through the area. Regrettably, the expected surge of festive revelers never materialized, leaving the grand arrangements considerably underutilized.
Amidst the quieter atmosphere, visitors could still explore charming stalls showcasing traditional crafts like intricate bangle-making and beautiful mehndi art. Live demonstrations of the powerful Perini Sivatandavam dance and the traditional art of Bathukamma-making were also organized, aiming to highlight the deep cultural significance of the festival. Folk music and dance performances further contributed to what was intended to be a lively atmosphere. Additionally, the HMDA took the opportunity to organize a sapling distribution drive, promoting greenery at the location.