Telangana Festivals
This vibrant 9-day floral festival celebrated by women is named after a phrase meaning "Mother Goddess, come alive!"
Bathukamma
This crispy, ring-shaped snack made of rice flour and sesame seeds is carefully rolled by hand and is a must-have tradition during Makar Sankranti.
Sakinalu (or Chakinalu)
This bright yellow wildflower, which blooms beautifully across the state landscape, was officially declared Telangana's State Flower after the state's formation.
Tangedu flower (Senna auriculata)
Known for its sweet, juicy orchards, this fuzzy fruit gives Georgia its famous official nickname, "The ____ State."
Peach
This massive, world-famous aquarium located in Atlanta is one of the largest in the world and houses incredible whale sharks.
Georgia Aquarium
During this colorful monsoon festival, devotees carry decorated earthen pots filled with cooked rice, milk, and jaggery as an offering to Goddess Mahakali
Bonalu
In 2010, this rich, slow-cooked Ramadan delicacy made of meat, wheat, and lentils became the very first meat product in India to receive a protected GI (Geographical Indication) tag.
Hyderabadi Haleem
This traditional folk art involves performers moving to the energetic rhythm of a handheld leather drum, and it became a massive symbol of cultural pride post-2001.
Dappu Dance
This cheerful, singing creature with a bright red breast is the proud official state bird of Georgia.
Brown Thrasher
Georgia's official state vegetable is this surprisingly sweet variety, named after the specific Georgia town where it is grown.
Vidalia Onion
Held in the Mulugu district, this massive biennial gathering honoring a brave mother-daughter duo is celebrated as Asia's largest tribal festival
Sammakka Saralamma Jatara or Medaram Jatara
During the Bonalu festival, this fierce, colorful character smeared in turmeric leads the procession, dancing wildly with a whip to protect the deities.
Potharaju
This unique, centuries-old art style from Telangana uses long khadi cloth scrolls to paint colorful, cartoon-like stories of rural life, folklore, and mythology.
Nakashi or Cheriyal scroll painting
Featuring beautiful white petals and a yellow center, this climbing shrub is Georgia's official state flower, named after a specific country in Asia.
Cherokee Rose
This crunchy, hard-shelled treat is Georgia's official state nut, often baked into delicious, sweet holiday pies.
Pecan
In October 2016, over 9,000 women gathered in Hyderabad to set a Guinness World Record by doing this rhythmic cultural activity together around floral stacks
Bathukamma dance
It is a deeply respected tradition in Telangana villages to tie these bitter green leaves across house entrances during festivals to ward off negative energy and welcome guests.
Mango Leaves or Neem Leaves
Adopted in 2014, the official state emblem of Telangana beautifully features the iconic Kakatiya Rock Kala Thoranam alongside this historic, four-minareted Hyderabad monument.
Charminar
Growing happily under the sea, this delicious, crunchy crustacean was named Georgia's official state fish alternative—specifically the official state marine mammal.
Right Whale
This legendary 2,190-mile hiking trail that stretches all the way to Maine officially begins its southern journey right in Georgia at the top of Springer Mountain.
Appalachian Trail
On the second day of Bonalu, a unique ritual called "Rangam" takes place where a woman stands on an earthen pot to perform this mystical act for the community
Predict the future
Passed down through generations, this highly detailed Telangana weaving tradition from Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district creates beautiful geometric patterns using a specialized tie-and-dye method.
Pochampally Ikat Sarees
This elegant folk-dance style features women dancing in a circle while clapping their hands, singing songs that praise local deities, nature, and daily village life.
Kolattam or Bathukamma Aata
Towering high with long needles, this specific type of evergreen tree stands proud as the official state tree of Georgia
Live Oak
Located right outside of Atlanta, this massive granite dome is a natural wonder that also holds the record for hosting the world's longest-running laser show.
Stone Mountain