Teak flowers replace Gunugu due to drought conditions

The existing drought conditions created shortage of ‘gunugu’ (Celosia argetea) flowers which are widely used in preparing Bathukanna idols. So women chose to replace those flowers with that of teak (Tectonia grandis).

The ‘Gunugu’ flowers are mostly found at the edges of agriculture fields but this time, there are not many of the plants due to the dry conditions.

So, women switched to using teak flowers which add to the beauty of the flower arrangement. Generally, teak flowers are not used in preparation of Bathukamma idols but with women preparing it, the demand for teak flowers has risen this season.

Mekala Sujatha of Utnoor said she, along with her sisters, collected teak flowers due to shortage of ‘gunugu’ and that teak flowers had enhanced the beauty of her Bathukamma idol.

“Gunugu flowers are really an essential part of Bathukamma idol but due to the shortage of the flowers, we were forced to go for teak flowers” , she said adding that even their relatives in Karimnagar had taken then flowers in a mini- van from Adilabad. 

The ‘gunugu’ flowers which usually do not cost much are being sold at Rs 1 a flower this year. Many of the idols are being prepared using marigold, colored teak twigs and other flowers which are widely available.