Batukamma festival or Bathukamma Panduga is the largest festival of Telangana region in Andhra Pradesh. It was started centuries ago and still celebrated as grand cultural event in this place.
The legend of Batukamma Panduga is mentioned in one of the historical texts scripted in Telugu. Centuries ago, King Dharmangada of Chola Dynasty used to rule South India. He was childless for many years after marriage. After performing many pujas and rituals, his wife gave birth to Goddess Lakshmi.
Baby Lakshmi survived many accidents. So, her parents named her Batukamma (Bathuku = life, Amma= suffix to female names and mother). Since then, Batukamma festival is celebrated by young girls in Telangana region. The main purpose of this festival is to worship the Goddess in the belief that the young girls would get husbands as per their wish. It is celebrated for nine days beginning from the Padyami (first day) of the month Ashvayuja (September-October).
There is another legend or katha about Bathukamma mentioned in Telugu books. Daksha performed a Yagna and invited everyone but his youngest daughter, Gauri, who married to Lord Shiva against his wish. In spite of Shivas will, Gauri went to the Yagna and insulted along with Lord Shiva. She was unable to tolerate the insult and sacrificed her life by setting herself ablaze. Wishing to bring her back, women present her flowers and make turmeric idol of the Goddess and sing and dance around the idol of Bathukamma.