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Festivals in Telangana

bonalu festival telangana
Telangana, a culturally rich state in southern India, is home to vibrant festivals that reflect its deep-rooted traditions and community spirit. The festivals in Telangana are celebrated with enthusiasm, each offering a unique blend of spirituality, heritage, and local customs. Among the famous festivals, Bathukamma stands out for its distinct beauty and cultural importance. Celebrated mainly by women, this festival involves creating floral arrangements in a stunning tiered pattern. Women sing and dance around these floral stacks to honor the goddess, seeking blessings for prosperity and good health. Bathukamma, a major Telangana famous festival, captures the state’s cultural essence and draws people from all walks of life to partake in the festivities. 

Sankranti is another main Telangana festival marked by traditional costumes like kite flying and elaborate feasts. It signifies the sun's transition into the zodiac of Capricorn, marking the end of the winter and the beginning of the harvest season. This festival is deeply tied to agricultural life in Telangana and is celebrated with joy and a strong community bond. Bonalu is another famous festival and a unique celebration where devotees offer prayers to the goddess Mahakali to protect the community. Women carry beautifully decorated pots filled with offerings to temples dressed in vibrant attire that adds color to the festival. The lively processions with folk dances and traditional drum performances filled the air with excitement. 

Ugadi, the Telugu New Year, is also widely celebrated across Telangana. People clean their homes, prepare traditional delicacies, and visit temples to usher in prosperity for the year ahead. Ramzan and Christmas, although celebrated globally, hold a special place in Telangana due to its diverse community, with people coming together to observe these festivals in unity. Each Telangana festival has a story and significance that binds its people and attracts visitors interested in experiencing its rich cultural heritage. These festivals embody Telangana’s unique charm, showcasing its history, traditions, and community spirit in a way that’s both timeless and inviting. 
Destination Info
City Informations
  • Currency INR
  • Phone Code +91
  • Time Zone +5:30
  • Capital City Hyderabad
  • Best Time to Visit November to February
  • Visa Required Not Required for Domestic Traveller
  • Airline Serving IndiGo Airlines, Air India, SpiceJet Airlines, Jet Airways, Go Airlines
  • Attractions Hyderabad, Warangal, Hyderabad, Adilabad, Khammam, Nalgonda, Karimnagar, Mahbubnagar

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bonalu
1
Bonalu

Bonalu, usually celebrated from 29 June 2025 – to 20 Jul 2025, is one of the main festivals of Telangana, dedicated to Goddess Mahakali. Women dress in traditional attire and carry beautifully decorated pots filled with offerings to the goddess. The festival includes vibrant processions, traditional dances, and ritual sacrifices, displaying Telangana’s rich cultural heritage. Bonalu reflects gratitude to the goddess for health and prosperity, bringing people together in devotion and celebration. Each procession becomes a community event with singing, dancing, and a shared sense of devotion, highlighting the bond between people and the divine. Bonalu encapsulates the spirit of resilience and reverence in Telangana’s spiritual landscape.

Makar Sankranti Festival India
2
 Makar Sankranti

Observed on January 14, 2025, Makar Sankranti is an essential and major Telangana festival observing the sun's change into Capricorn. This event indicates longer days and the start of the reaping season, earning it a period of thankfulness and festival. People converge with adored ones to prepare conventional meals, including sweet dishes like laddoos and Pongal. One of the celebration highlights is the kite-flying contest, where the sky loads with dynamic colours as individuals of all generations partake. In Telangana, Makar Sankranti encourages a feeling of gathering as families and friends honour. It’s a joyous event where people express their yearnings for wealth and plenty in the future season.

3
Ratha Saptami

Observed on February 4, 2025, Ratha Saptami is dedicated to the Sun God and has an essential place among festivals in Telangana. The day starts with believers carrying a holy bath at sunrise, observed by offerings and blessings. The Sun is revered as the leading basis of life, and the celebration acts as a reminder of its prayers for all living beings. Classic hymns are sung, and temples host unique rituals to celebrate the sun’s vibrancy and spirit. For many in Telangana, Ratha Saptami represents good healthiness and spiritual power. It’s a day of revival where individuals come together to convey appreciation, marking the sun’s life and upholding its role in wildlife and civilization.

Masik Shivaratri Festival 2025, India
4
 Maha Shivaratri 2025-02-27

Maha Shivaratri, observed on February 26, is a top festival of Telangana that celebrates Lord Shiva, the god of change and devastation. Devotees embark on day-long fasts and celebrate a night-long guard loaded with devotions, hymns, and holy songs. Shiva temples across Telangana, such as the famous Keesaragutta Temple, welcome thousands of worshippers who desire acceptance and deliberation in Lord Shiva’s existence. Maha Shivaratri enables a feeling of spirituality and faith, asking followers to consider more profound facts and personal transformation. This festival presents believers with an option to unite with the holy, surrendering earthly concerns and celebrating the heavenly significance that Lord Shiva symbolizes.

Holi Festival
5
 Holi

On March 14, 2025, Telangana bursts into colour as communities celebrate Holi, a Telangana festival that marks the arrival of spring. Known as the festival of colours, Holi symbolises the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated with exuberant gatherings where people playfully smear each other with coloured powders and splash water. Traditional sweets and drinks like thandai add to the festive atmosphere. Families and friends unite, transcending social boundaries as laughter and joy fill the air. Holi in Telangana reflects the unity and joy of the community, fostering a spirit of togetherness and friendship. This vibrant celebration leaves everyone in high spirits, looking forward to spring's abundance.

Ugadi Festival India
6
 Ugadi

Ugadi, celebrated on March 30, 2025, marks the Telugu New Year and is an essential festival celebrated in Telangana. People clean and decorate their homes with fresh mango leaves and flowers, preparing special dishes like Ugadi pachadi, a unique mixture symbolising life’s different flavours. Families gather for prayers, seek blessings, and share hopes for prosperity and happiness in the coming year. Ugadi is more than just a New Year celebration; it’s a time for renewal and reflection. It embodies the joy and optimism that come with new beginnings and allows people in Telangana to honour their traditions while looking forward to a prosperous year ahead.

Ram Navami
7
 Sri Rama Navami

Celebrated on April 6, 2025, Sri Rama Navami is a famous Telangana festival dedicated to Lord Rama's birth, an embodiment of virtue and honour. Devotees celebrate by visiting temples, reading verses from the Ramayana, and participating in devotional singing. Many join processions that unite communities to honour Lord Rama’s life and teachings. In Telangana, this festival emphasises the values of righteousness, loyalty, and respect for the family. Sri Rama Navami inspires people to reflect on these virtues, drawing them closer to the principles Lord Rama represents. It’s a day of devotion, cultural pride, and reverence, showcasing Telangana’s spiritual heritage.

8
Hanuman Jayanti

On 12 April 2025 – 22 May 2025, Hanuman Jayanti, a Telangana famous festival, celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, a symbol of strength, devotion, and courage. Devotees visit Hanuman temples, performing prayers and offering special pujas to honour this revered deity. Known for his unwavering loyalty to Lord Rama, Hanuman is celebrated for his bravery, resilience, and service virtues. For people in Telangana, Hanuman Jayanti is a time to seek blessings for strength and protection and reflect on their devotion and loyalty. It’s a festival that connects the community to Hanuman’s values, invoking courage and faith in daily life.

9
Nagula Chavithi

Nagula Chavithi is a unique Telangana festival that involves the worship of snakes, which are believed to be divine and protective forces. Devotees, especially women, offer prayers and milk to snake idols, seeking blessings for family prosperity and safety. This festival reminds Telangana communities of deep respect for nature and its creatures, seeing them as sacred. Observing Nagula Chavithi, people honour the natural world and uphold traditional beliefs that emphasise harmony with all living beings. The festival blends spirituality and environmental respect, showcasing Telangana’s unique cultural ethos.

10
Varalakshmi Vratam

On August 8, 2025, Varalakshmi Vratam is a crucial Telangana festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Married women observe a strict fast and offer prayers for their family’s well-being, health, and fortune. The ritual involves decorating idols of Goddess Lakshmi with flowers and ornaments, symbolising reverence and devotion. This festival reflects the community’s values, with women’s prayers representing a collective wish for happiness and prosperity. Varalakshmi Vratam is a spiritual and family-centred occasion that brings people together, celebrating Telangana's culture's bonds of love, faith, and tradition.

11
Krishna Janmashtami

Celebrated on August 16, 2025, Krishna Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna and is a beloved festival of Telangana. The day is filled with midnight prayers, devotional singing, and joyous reenactments of Krishna’s playful childhood. One of the main attractions is the “Dahi Handi” game, where young men form human pyramids to break a pot of curd suspended high, recreating Krishna’s love for butter. Families gather to honour Krishna’s divine life, teaching love, wisdom, and joy values. Krishna Janmashtami reflects Telangana’s lively culture and devotion, uniting people to celebrate one of Hinduism’s most cherished figures.

ganesh chaturthi
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Vinayaka Chavithi

Vinayaka Chavithi, observed on 26 Aug 2025 – 27 Aug 2025, celebrates Lord Ganesha’s birth, the remover of obstacles. Telangana households and public spaces are adorned with clay idols of Lord Ganesha, and devotees perform prayers seeking blessings for success and prosperity. Known for his wisdom, Ganesha is invoked at the start of new ventures. This Telangana festival unites communities, bringing friends and families together in shared rituals and joy. The immersion of Ganesha idols in water on the final day represents life’s cyclic nature, honouring the deity’s role in guiding devotees toward clarity and purpose.

13
Bathukamma Festival

: Celebrated October 3, Bathukamma is a vibrant Telangana festival honouring Goddess Gauri, symbolising feminine strength and life. Women create intricate flower arrangements and perform traditional dances around them, singing songs that celebrate nature and womanhood. Bathukamma, known as a famous festival of Telangana, fosters community spirit, respect for nature, and cultural pride. The colourful floral displays and rhythmic songs create a joyful, collective experience highlighting Telangana’s cultural identity and the close bond between its people and the land.

durga puja
14
Durga Ashtami

Durga Ashtami, celebrated on September 30, 2025, is dedicated to Goddess Durga, symbolising power and protection. As a vital part of the Navaratri festival, Telangana communities perform rituals, fast, and visit temples to honour the goddess. People seek strength to overcome challenges, embracing Durga’s virtues of courage and resilience. Durga Ashtami represents Telangana’s spiritual devotion and respect for feminine divinity, bringing families together in reverence. It underscores the victory of good over evil, instilling values of righteousness, strength, and unity among the people.

mysore festival of dussehra
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Dussehra

Dussehra, observed on October 2, 2025, celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Telangana communities participate in the “Ravana Dahan,” where Ravana’s effigy is burnt to mark his defeat. This prominent festival of Telangana includes prayers, family gatherings, and cultural programs, emphasising values like righteousness and honour. Dussehra unites communities in joy and reflection, strengthening bonds and teaching the timeless lesson of standing firm against adversity. The festival concludes with grand celebrations that highlight the cultural and spiritual essence of the region, marking it as a festival of triumph and renewal.

diwali
16
Diwali

Celebrated on 18 Oct 2025 – Thu, 23 Oct 2025, Diwali, the festival of lights, holds immense significance among the festivals of Telangana. It marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Families clean and decorate their homes with oil lamps (diyas), rangoli, and colourful lights to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Sweets and gifts are exchanged, and fireworks light up the night sky, adding to the festive spirit. In Telangana, Diwali also signifies the beginning of the harvest season, with prayers for abundance and happiness in the coming year. The bright lights and celebrations reflect Telangana's diverse communities' cultural vibrancy and joy.

FAQs About Festivals in Telangana

  1. Q1.
    What are the most famous festivals of Telangana?

    Telangana celebrates numerous festivals, but the most famous include Bathukamma, Bonalu, and Sankranti. Bathukamma is celebrated by women and honours nature and the goddess Gauri. Bonalu is a temple festival dedicated to Goddess Mahankali. Sankranti, a harvest festival, is marked by flying kites and cooking special foods. These festivals highlight Telangana's vibrant culture and strong connection with traditions and religious beliefs.

  2. Q2.
    When is the Bathukamma festival celebrated?

    Bathukamma is celebrated during the month of Ashvin in the Hindu calendar, usually in September or October. This Telangana festival marks the onset of the floral festival, symbolising the celebration of life and nature. Women create beautiful floral arrangements and immerse them in water as an offering to goddess Gauri. The festival brings together communities in joyous celebration, promoting unity and cultural heritage.

  3. Q3.
    How is Bonalu celebrated in Telangana?

    Bonalu, held during the Ashada month (June-July), is one of the significant Telangana festivals. Devotees offer prayers to Goddess Mahankali to seek blessings for the welfare of their families. Women bring "Bonalu" (a traditional offering of rice, curd, and jaggery) to temples, accompanied by dances and rituals. The grand processions and vibrant celebrations create an atmosphere of devotion and community bonding, symbolising faith and festivity.

  4. Q4.
    What is the significance of Sankranti in Telangana?

    Sankranti, a harvest festival, is celebrated in January and holds significant importance in Telangana. This festival marks the sun's transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. People celebrate by flying kites, wearing new clothes, and preparing traditional sweets like tilgul (sesame and jaggery). It signifies prosperity, harvest, and a good start for the year. It also strengthens community bonds through celebrations, feasts, and gatherings.

  5. Q5.
    What is the importance of Diwali in Telangana?

    Diwali, or Deepavali, is a significant Telangana festival celebrated by lighting oil lamps (diyas) and bursting fireworks. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness. Families clean and decorate their homes, worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, and exchange gifts. The festival of lights is celebrated with immense joy, unity, and spiritual significance, reflecting the cultural diversity of Telangana's people.

  6. Q6.
    How is Ugadi celebrated in Telangana?

    Ugadi, the Telugu New Year, is celebrated in March or April, marking the beginning of a new year according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. It is a festival of renewal, celebrated with rituals like offering prayers to Lord Ganesha and cooking the traditional "Ugadi Pachadi" (a dish symbolising various tastes). The festival is filled with cultural activities, family gatherings, and the exchange of blessings, marking the beginning of a prosperous year.

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