For years, the voice of Telugu singer Mangli has represented the sounds and culture of the
Bathukamma festival, propelling this cherished tradition of Telangana into a global phenomenon.
Every year, the release of Bathukamma songs by Mangli is a much-awaited affair, and, without
fail, every song becomes the sound of the season, within seconds of being released. The
singer, a Banjara, has a deep personal, emotional, and cultural investment in this floral festival
by stating that she is strict about making her music more than an entertainment vehicle, but a
way of honoring the spirit of Bathukamma and the culture of the region.
A Devotional Tribute to Womanhood and Nature
According to Mangli, Bathukamma is a precious celebration of life itself and is the only festival in
the world that pays true homage to women. The depth of her attachment stems from the
festival’s foundation in the festival’s tribute to Goddess Maha Gauri, the Goddess of Life, and
the festival’s connection to nature and its beauty. She recounts and glows with devotion when
she sings about the rituals, especially the creation of the floral stack (Bathukamma), which is
intended to be immersed; this symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, as well as the gifts provided
by Mother Nature herself. For Mangli, every song she writes is a “song to women,” every song
expresses her admiration for and respect for the feminine energy of the community that comes
together in a circle to sing and dance. This sincerity of feeling is what gives Mangli’s powerful,
rustic voice verisimilitude, allowing her songs to cut across age generations.
The Cultural Roots and Folk Revival
Mangli’s distinctive heritage and intentional approach to style have played a key role in
rejuvenating the folk music arena. While she trained in Carnatic music, her heart lies with the
ruggedly unpolished dialect from Telangana, with the lively folk component. She purposefully
includes traditional rhythms and vernacular within her folk compositions to ensure cultural
aspirancy, even though it is on a digital platform. Her commitment to her roots, including her
choice of filming music videos in small villages to bring viewers into her local context, has
positioned her well as a cultural and presumably ambassador for Telangana. The work she does
has been a fruitful and tasteful disruption to the trend of modern remixes by providing a
respectable, compelling, and quality alternative for a younger generation to hear and engage
with the beauty and importance of their own heritage’s language and music.
An Emblem of Identity and Pride
In addition to the spiritual and cultural aspects, Mangli states that festivals such as Bathukamma
are an important expression of regional identity and pride. By consistently wearing traditional
garments such as half sarees and sarees while performing, Mangli’s choice is a deliberate effort
to advocate and celebrate her culture. This devotion to representing her culture and heritage
has made Mangli inspirational, especially after Bathukamma emerged as more than just a
festival; it became a representation of Telangana’s unique cultural identity after the formation of
the state. Her music brings joy and a sense of community, making her a necessary part of the
festival’s annual revival, tradition, and local songs are heartily commemorated throughout the
world.