Bathukamma Blooms in Merrillville: Telugu NRIs Celebrate with Joy and Color
Bathukamma 2025 brought a wave of color, culture, and connection to Merrillville, Indiana, as Telugu-speaking families gathered at the IACC Temple for a heartwarming celebration. For the fourth consecutive year, this floral festival lit up the temple grounds with laughter, music, and tradition.
More than 50 families came together, turning the temple into a vibrant hub of Telugu heritage. From toddlers to elders, every generation played a part in making the event unforgettable.
What Is Bathukamma and Why It Matters
Bathukamma is a unique festival from Telangana that honors nature, femininity, and community. Women create stunning flower arrangements—called Bathukammas—and gather to sing, dance, and celebrate life.
For NRIs in the U.S., especially in Northwest Indiana, this festival is more than tradition. It’s a way to stay connected to their roots, pass culture to the next generation, and build bonds within the diaspora.
A Celebration of Unity and Culture
This year’s event was held at the IACC Temple in Merrillville, a spiritual and cultural center for Indian Americans in the region. The temple’s open grounds were filled with colorful Bathukammas made from marigolds, chrysanthemums, and other seasonal blooms.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, women dressed in traditional sarees formed circles around the Bathukamma. They sang folk songs from Telangana, each verse echoing with emotion and pride. Children joined in, learning the rhythms and stories behind the songs.
Families Came Together from Across Northwest Indiana
The event welcomed Telugu families from Merrillville, Crown Point, Schererville, and even Chicago suburbs. Babies just months old were seen in their parents’ arms, while seniors watched with joy as younger generations embraced the tradition.
This multi-generational gathering created a powerful sense of belonging. Many attendees said it felt like being back in Telangana, even while thousands of miles away.
Dance, Music, and the Spirit of Telangana
The highlight of the evening was the group dance around the Bathukamma. Women moved gracefully to the beats of dappu drums and folk tunes. The energy was infectious. Even those unfamiliar with the steps joined in, guided by smiles and laughter.
The songs—many passed down orally—spoke of nature, strength, and celebration. They reminded everyone of the deep cultural roots that continue to thrive, even in a foreign land.
Traditional Telugu Feast Delights Attendees
After the dance, everyone gathered for a delicious dinner. Volunteers served authentic Telugu dishes like pulihora, garelu, bobbatlu, and payasam. The aroma of home-cooked food filled the air, adding another layer of nostalgia.
For many, this feast was more than a meal. It was a taste of home, a reminder of festivals spent with family in India.
External Links & Resources
- IACC Temple Merrillville Official Site
- Bathukamma Festival History – Telangana Tourism
- How to Make Bathukamma at Home – YouTube Guide
Voices from the Community
Many attendees shared their thoughts:
“Bathukamma brings us together. It’s not just flowers—it’s our identity.”
“My kids danced for the first time today. They’re learning what it means to be Telugu.”
Why This Celebration Matters
In a world that moves fast, festivals like Bathukamma help us slow down and reconnect. They remind us of who we are, where we come from, and what we value. For Telugu NRIs in Indiana, this celebration was a bridge between continents, generations, and hearts.
As the evening ended, families took photos, exchanged wishes, and promised to return next year. The Bathukamma may fade, but the memories will bloom forever.
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