Hyderabad celebrated the start of the Bonalu festival with excitement on Thursday. Many devotees, especially women, visited the temple at Golkonda Fort carrying Bonam on their heads.
A lively procession, featuring the colorful Thottela, traveled from Langar Houz to the fort. It was a highlight with Potharajus and Shiva Sattulu dancing to the energetic tunes of Teenmar bands. Artists from Vijayawada joined in, dancing to Bonalu songs. Women offered their Bonam, and notable figures like Endowments Minister Konda Surekha and BRS MLC K Kavitha also participated by carrying Bonam. Speaker G Prasad Kumar, Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, MP Anil Yadav, and others were present, offering silk clothes to Sri Jagadambika Mahankali Ammavaru.
Konda Surekha emphasized the cultural and traditional significance of Ashada Masam Bonalu. She expressed hope that the blessings of Jagadamba Ammavari would be with the people of Telangana and the state government. She highlighted the longstanding tradition of Bonalu in the twin cities and noted that the Chief Minister allocated Rs 20 crore for the celebrations in Hyderabad. The importance of Golkonda Bonalu attracted many visitors from across the state. She felt honored to offer the first Bonam to the goddess.
On Sunday, the second major pooja, Maru Bonam, will be offered to the goddesses at Golkonda. The following Thursdays and Sundays will see thousands of devotees visiting the temple.
