“Today is Venna Muddala Bathukamma. This day is about offering Venna Muddalu (Butter) along with the flowers, and singing the songs that we grew up hearing. Even though we are at work as HMDA workers, we never miss this festival—it’s something we look forward to every year.

Each day of Bathukamma has its own name, and today we prepare venna muddalu along with the flowers. We sing the traditional songs, clap together, and dance around the Bathukamma during our break.

Bathukamma always comes around Dussehra Navratri in Telangana, when the lakes are full and the wildflowers are blooming everywhere. It is our way of thanking nature and praying for good health and happiness. In the evening, we take the Bathukamma to Tank Bund and let it float, just like we do back in our villages. Celebrating together at work makes it feel like home.”