Hyderabad buzzed with excitement as the annual Bonalu festival unfolded on Sunday, showcasing the rich culture of Telangana. Women, carrying offerings known as Bonam, walked barefoot to various Mahankali temples across the city, including the Sri Akkanna Maddanna Mahankali temple in Haribowli, Darbar Maisamma in Karwan, and the Mahankali temple in Amberpet. The celebrations drew thousands of devotees and several political figures, all eager to pay their respects. The vibrant spirit of Bonalu was felt in every corner, especially in the Old City.
Women and young girls donned traditional attire, with many carrying pots filled with rice, jaggery, curd, and neem leaves on their heads as offerings. Some women entered trances, dancing energetically to drumbeats in honor of the Goddess.
Since 2014, after Telangana’s formation, Bonalu has been celebrated with great enthusiasm as the state festival. Starting from June 29 at Golconda Fort, the festivities concluded on Sunday in the Old City. The Sri Simhavahini Temple at Lal Darwaza was a focal point, attracting numerous VIPs.
During the 117th celebration at Lal Darwaza, leaders like Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, Vakati Srihari, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, and GHMC Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi presented ‘Bangaru Bonam’ on behalf of the state at the Simhavahini Mahankali temple.
Temple committees at Sri Simhavahini Mahankali, Sri Akkanna Madanna, Bangaru Maisamma, Sri Muthyalamma, Sri Bhagyalaxmi, and Sri Darbar Maisamma ensured special arrangements for devotees.
Dating back over 150 years, Bonalu began after a cholera outbreak, believed to be caused by Mahankali’s wrath, prompting offerings to appease her.
Special queues were organized for women to ensure a smooth darshan, and traffic was rerouted for the festivities. Notable figures like former Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, BJP MP K Laxman, MLA D Nagender, BRS MLC K Kavitha, and BJP leader Madhavi Latha also participated in prayers.
The state allocated Rs 20 crore for the Bonalu celebrations, providing financial aid to 2,783 temples. To maintain order and safety, around 2,500 police officers were deployed, supported by CCTV surveillance. The Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force, Rapid Action Force, City Armed Reserve, Quick Reaction Teams, Bomb Detection and Disposal teams, SHE Teams, and local police ensured security. The festivities will close on Monday with the ‘Rangam’ oracle prediction at the Akkanna Madanna temple.
