The Telangana government has announced the following four icons for the new State:
- The State Bird – Palapitta (Indian Roller or Blue Jay).
- The State Animal – Jinka (Deer).
- The State Tree – Jammi Chettu (Prosopis Cineraria).
- The State Flower – Tangedu (Tanner’s Cassia).
These icons reflect the culture and tradition of Telangana state and three of them – Tangedu flowers, Blue Jay and Jammi Chettu – are associated with the popular festivals of Batukamma and Dasara. While Tangedu flowers are used in stacking of Batukammas, spotting the Blue Jay on Dasara is considered a good omen and people worship Jammi Chettu on that day.
Lord Rama spotted the Palapitta before invading Lanka and vanquished Ravana. Palapitta has been chosen to put Telangana on the path of victory
Jinka
Deer is deeply associated with Indian history and a reference to this graceful animal was there in the great epic Ramayana. It can survive in the smallest forests also. It reflects the mindset of the people of Telangana as it is very sensitive and innocent.
Jammi Chettu
Pandavas had vanquished a large army of Kauravas only after performing worshipping the Jammi Chettu. They had hidden their weapons on a Jammi Chettu when they had been forced into exile in the forests. Now, Telangana requires the blessings of the Jammi Chettu.
Tangedu flower which is used during the Batukamma festival by women folk is the most appropriate choice as the state flower.
