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Key Points

BJP leader and actress Khushbu Sundar took part in Bathukamma celebrations at the Charminar temple. The event proceeded only after the Telangana High Court overturned a police decision to deny permission. The court allowed the festival with specific conditions, including a limit on participants and a ban on political statements. Bathukamma is a vibrant nine-day floral festival that symbolizes Telangana's cultural identity.

Key Points: Khushbu Sundar Joins BJP Women for Bathukamma at Charminar Temple

  • Hyderabad Police denied permission citing law and order concerns in the sensitive area
  • Telangana High Court allowed the event after a petition by a BJP leader
  • Court imposed strict conditions including a 100-person limit and no political speeches
  • Bathukamma is Telangana's state festival celebrating nature and local culture
2 min read

Khushbu participates in 'Bathukamma' celebrations at Charminar temple

BJP leader Khushbu Sundar celebrates Telangana's Bathukamma festival at Charminar temple after High Court overrules police ban, allowing the event with strict conditions.

"The event can be held with no more than 100 women participants - Telangana High Court"

Hyderabad, Sep 23

Actress and BJP leader Khushbu Sundar participated in Bathukamma celebrations at Bhagyalakshmi Temple abutting historic Charminar on Tuesday.

Khushbu, who is the Vice President of the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit, played Bathukamma along with women leaders of the Telangana BJP.

Hyderabad Police had refused permission for the programme, citing law and order concerns. However, on a petition by a BJP leader, the Telangana High Court allowed the event subject to certain conditions.

The High Court had ruled that the event can be held with no more than 100 women participants, all of whom must have no criminal background.

It had also barred the organisers from inviting VIPs to the programme.

Justice N V Shravan Kumar had pronounced the orders on a petition filed by Dr B Uma Shankar, Secretary of the BJP Telangana unit, challenging the police decision to deny permission.

The police had refused permission, considering the sensitive nature of the area. The police had also cited that it is a mixed community locality surrounded by multiple places of worship.

The petitioner, however, argued that a similar celebration was allowed at the same venue in October 2024 under certain restrictions.

The assistant government pleader for Home contended that holding the festival at the site could disturb public peace and order, inconvenience tourists, and potentially attract miscreants.

After hearing the arguments, the High Court allowed the programme for one and a half hours. It directed that participants must refrain from singing songs or making political statements that could offend other communities or political groups. The organisers were also directed to ensure that no law and order problems arise.

Bathukamma, Telangana’s state festival, commenced on Sunday. Considered a symbol of Telangana culture, it is celebrated with enthusiasm by women for nine days.

Nature is worshipped during the festival. Women and girls sing and dance around specially arranged flowers. At the end of the festival, they immerse the specially arranged flowers called Bathukamma in local ponds.

Ever since the formation of Telangana state in 2014, Bathukamma has been celebrated as the state festival.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The High Court handled this well with balanced conditions. Charminar area is indeed sensitive, and public safety should be priority. Good that they allowed cultural celebration while ensuring peace.
S
Sarah B
As someone new to Indian festivals, Bathukamma sounds fascinating! The flower arrangements and cultural significance are beautiful. Hope the celebrations remained peaceful as intended.
A
Arjun K
Why do politicians always have to jump into cultural events? Bathukamma is women's festival that should be celebrated organically, not as political photo-ops. Let culture be culture!
K
Kavya N
As a Telangana native, Bathukamma is close to my heart! The festival symbolizes our connection with nature. Happy to see it celebrated, but wish it wasn't so controversial. Jai Telangana! 💐
M
Michael C
Interesting to see how Indian courts balance religious/cultural rights with public safety. The restrictions seem reasonable given the sensitive location. Hope everyone respected the court's conditions.

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