Hyderabad is alive with enthusiasm as the Bonalu festival kicks off. Temples are beautifully decorated with turmeric and saffron, setting the festive mood. This festival, showcasing Telangana’s traditions, starts today.
The celebration begins with a special puja for Jagadambika Ammavaru at Golconda Fort. The month-long event ends with the final bonam at the fort. Devotees will gather for nine pujas held every Thursday and Sunday.
Langar House residents, once known as Langar Khana, are responsible for the first bonam ritual. Historically, this area was a place for cooking and storing food for kings and soldiers. This tradition continues as offerings to the goddess start from Langar House.
Government ministers will offer silk garments to the goddess, beginning the procession at Langar House. After a puja at the chief priest’s home in Chotabazar, the goddess and the bonas will be taken in a palanquin to her temple at the fort. Important figures like Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, MLA Konda Surekha, Mayor Vijayalakshmi, and City Police Commissioner CV Anand will attend the ceremony.
The goddess will be adorned with jewelry during the first offerings, and then devotees will present their bonas. A large Bonalu procession is planned for July 6. Over 100 water tanks will travel from key city temples, including Secunderabad Ujjaini Mahakali, Miralamandi Ammavaru, and Laldarwaja Ammavaru, reaching Langar House by July 10. This grand procession will then head to Golconda Fort.
