Ponnam Prabhakar, the in-charge minister, held a meeting in Secunderabad to prepare for the Ujjaini Mahankali Bonalu Festival. The goal was to ensure the festival, dedicated to the goddess Ammavari, runs smoothly.
Prabhakar stressed the need to keep the festival free from political influence. He said success depends on community cooperation and praised those preparing the temple. He promised that arrangements for visiting devotees would be thorough.
The minister directed that new cable wires be installed in the temple to prevent accidents and suggested using a large keding jali for safety. He emphasized Hyderabad’s tradition of hospitality and encouraged locals to welcome visitors from all over the world.
Since the festival takes place weekly in different areas, Prabhakar urged officials to provide adequate water, even suggesting twice-daily services if needed. He noted the challenge of hosting multiple events but said staggered celebrations across different temples could help. Enhanced police security is also a priority.
Prabhakar highlighted the importance of cooperation among all departments, following a prior review with state officials to plan events at 3,600 temples. Celebrations will occur weekly at temples like Golconda, Ujjain Mahankali, Balkampet, and Lal Darwaza. He assured that special arrangements are in place for the Jogins and emphasized the importance of managing bonam transport, especially for VIP visits during less busy times.
He called on community members and groups like the Deccan Manav Seva Samiti to actively participate, aiming to make the festival an unforgettable event. The meeting included MLA Talasani, District Collector Harichandana, and Deputy Mayor Mothe Srilatha.