Boddemma: The Festival for Unmarried Girls

Boddemma is a festival of a traditional kind in Telangana, mainly celebrated by young girls. The term “Bodde” directly translates to “small girl,” and therefore, this festivity is dedicated to the very essence of growing up female in Telangana, much like how Bathukamma is a festival that embodies motherhood. It is observed in the month of Bhadrapada, beginning on Bahula Panchami and culminating on Mahalaya Amavasya, for a total of nine days.

A festival starts with the preparation of a gopuram using mud, placed on a small table. The gopuram is beautifully decorated with Tangedu and Katla flowers, which are commonly used in Telangana’s floral festivals. A Kalasham filled with rice is prepared, adorned with a new blouse piece, and placed with a Gouramma idol made of turmeric on top.

The nine-day festival brings together every child in a family or neighborhood. Each evening, children and their families gather around the Boddemma structure, forming a circle as they sing traditional folk songs. They revolve around this makeshift alter, as they would in a wedding procession, while joyfully assembling the Boddemma, a figure of a bride-to-be. Offered as Naivedyam (sacred food offering) are dal (lentils) and jaggery. On the ninth and final day of the festival, a special sweet dish is prepared using the rice from the Kalasham (a vessel filled with rice, a symbol of abundance). This dish is shared among family members and friends. It is more than a meal; it is the final rite of the Boddamma festival.