Hyderabad: CV Anand, the Hyderabad City Police Commissioner, took part in the Lal Darwaza Bonalu festival. He joined in the Shikara Puja and Dwajarohanam ceremonies. He mentioned that the temple committee traditionally invites the city’s Kotwal for these events. The Bonalu festival has been held here for about 120 years. Across Telangana, people celebrate this festival with devotion for an entire month. GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan, K Apoorva Rao (DCP Special Branch), Sneha Mehra (DCP South Zone), R Venkateswarlu (DCP Traffic), and other officials, along with Temple Committee Chairman B Maruthi Yadav and members, were present with him.
The Commissioner noted the historical importance of the Lal Darwaza Simhavahini Sri Mahankali Temple. In 1908, heavy rains led to floods and a plague epidemic, causing around 50,000 deaths in the surrounding areas. At that time, Hyderabad’s population was 4 lakh. Following advice from Prime Minister Kishen Pershad, the Nizam, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, arranged special prayers to the Goddess. After these prayers, the Musi River floods lessened, and the epidemic faded. Since then, Bonalu has been celebrated during the Ashadha month, according to CV Anand.
The Commissioner assured that the Police Department has set up all necessary security measures to ensure safety. He recalled that the Golconda Bonalu and Balkampet Bonalu events were conducted without any issues.
