MAHA BATHUKAMMA
People still prefer traditional Bathukamma for its water-friendly properties
The state festival of Bathukamma has been tackling pollution in its own traditional way.
Though readymade, artificial Bathukammas are available, some people still prefer traditional Bathukamas, which are made of flowers like marigold, gunugu, and pattukuchu, that have medicinal properties, and can remove pathogens and bacteria from the water they are immersed in, according to some.
“The festival is timed right after monsoon rains, which will fill up all water sources and also increase muddiness of water.
“The floral arrangements will fight both turbidity and the fungal and bacterial growth,” says social scientist N. Raveendhar.
The bright magenta flower called pattukuchchu or cock’s comb, which is added to sides of Bathukammas, is said to remove bacteria from sewage water and to combat jaundice.
“Marigold consists of phytocompounds and anthocyanin which can impart cancer fighting properties to water,” added Mr Raveendhar.
The trend of readymade and artificial Bathukamma arrangements is catching on, however.
These artificial arrangements are made of coloured plastic and polyester fabric and are nonbiodegradable, meaning they will remain suspended in the water for a long time after immersion.
“The rate at which people are opting for plastic flower arrangements is alarming. This will only add to water’s haziness,” says pollution control board scientist Chinnapa Reddy. If the festival is managed well, the impact of pollution will be nil; in fact the quality of the water will improve.
“This year, since we have immersion tanks therefore, we must encourage people to head to these instead of immersing the Bathukammas and pooja materials in the lake,” says Madhulika Chaudhary, who is an expert on lakes.