Hyderabad: The vibrant Bonalu festival will kick off in the city on June 26 at the Jagadambika Temple in the historic Golkonda Fort. This month-long celebration, part of the Ashada Masam, will conclude with the final Puja on July 24.
The festival begins on the first Thursday of Ashada Masam. Sarvesh Pantulu, the temple priest, mentioned that nine pujas will take place every Thursday and Sunday. Devotees will offer Bonam to the goddess with deep devotion. On the opening day, a grand procession will move from Langar Houz crossroads to the fort, featuring cultural displays and the unique Potaraju dance.
At 12 noon, a Rath Yatra will depart from the priest’s residence in Chhota Bazar, carrying the festival idol and Tottelu to the temple, accompanied by music and cultural performances. Bonam for the goddess will come from Banjara Darwaza.
The second puja is on June 29, followed by the third on July 3, the fourth on July 6, and the fifth on July 10. The special Lashkar Bonalu Jatara is scheduled for July 13 at the Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad. On July 14, Rangam and a procession will occur. The Shri Mahankali Jatara Bonalu Utsavala Ummidi Devalayala Uregimpu Committee will conduct a Ghatam procession from the Old City. On July 20, Bonalu continues in the Old City, followed by Rangam on July 21.
Devotees will gather in large numbers to offer Bonam on all the designated days. A newly formed temple committee aims to ensure the festival is celebrated grandly and peacefully, providing excellent facilities for all participants.
A significant procession will conclude the festival on July 21 at 3 pm. This event will be led by the Haribavalli Akkanna Madanna Sri Mahankali Temple of the Old City, marking the end of the celebrations.
