“Bathukamma is my favorite festival. I love picking flowers from our village farms and celebrating with my family. This year, our Dussehra holidays are from October 10 to 22, so I have many days to stay at my grandmother’s village. We have school worksheets to do during holidays, but I get to enjoy and stay with my family.

​This year, I wanted to make my Bathukamma all by myself. I sat with the flowers and started arranging them layer by layer. Ammamma and amma helped me a little by handing over the flowers while I arranged. I was so happy and proud to see it ready.

​In the evenings, all my village friends join with their Bathukammas. We keep them together, sing songs and dance. ​Bathukamma and Dussehra holidays are always fun. But this time was best because I made my own Bathukamma, all by myself for the first time.”