“Hello. My name is Fayaz and I have been selling Bathukamma flowers along with my wife and in-laws for the last 6 years. Ours is a love marriage and I got into the flower business after my marriage. I work in a petrol station full time but I come here every year during Dussehra and Bathukamma season to sell the traditional Bathukamma flowers to our dear customers. We stock these flowers from the local villagers and it’s only available in this session.

Even though I don’t get an opportunity to take part in the occasion, I truly love the vibe of the festival. Undeniably, sales have been doubled during the Bathukamma festive session after the Telangana state formation. The festival has gained great popularity among youngsters as well but many fail to understand the importance of the story behind it. I learnt from my mother-in-law that it represents the culture and identity of the people of Telangana which involved the celebration with wildflowers, traditional folk dances and songs.

This is a good time for us and I just hope we earn some money this year so that we could come out of the losses incurred due to the lockdowns. I certainly do believe in communal harmony and will continue to work hard for our family’s well being.”