Hyderabad is preparing for a grand celebration of the 77th annual Bonalu and Mahankali Jathara at the historic Sri Akkanna-Madanna Mahankali Mandiram. Located in Shalibanda’s Hari Bowli, this temple has been a key spot for the Bonalu procession for over 400 years.
Comprehensive plans are in place for the Old City’s Bonalu festival. An elephant named Lakshmi from Sri Karibasava Swamy Mutt in Tumkur, Karnataka, will carry the Ghatam in the procession. Lakshmi also recently participated in the Moharram procession, carrying Bibi-ka-Alam.
Bonalu, held in Ashada (July-August), honors the Goddess and gives thanks for wishes granted. Devotees worship various forms of the Goddess, including Yellamma, Maisamma, and Pochamma during this time.
The temple committee, with help from the Police, GHMC, Endowment Department, and other agencies, is ensuring the success of the celebrations and the big procession on 21 July. They aim for a smooth experience for devotees from the twin cities and nearby districts, despite early concerns about Lakshmi’s role in the procession.
SP Kranti Kumar, Temple Committee Organising Secretary, confirmed Lakshmi will be in the Sri Nalla Pochamma Temple procession on 20 July and the main Old City procession on 21 July.
The festival started with MaahaAbhishekam and Kalasha Sthapana and will end on 22 July with AshthadalaPhadapadmaradhanPavithrosthavam. The final day will feature the Matha Ghatam on Lakshmi in a grand procession.
Meanwhile, the Simhavahini Sri Mahankali Temple in Lal Darwaza is also ready for the festival. Committee member K Venkatesh said the temple expects a large turnout, including visitors from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. The celebrations at Lal Darwaza date back to the time of Nizam VI Mir Mahboob Ali Khan and will mark 117 years this year. Historically, kings, politicians, and ministers have donated silk garments and jewelry to the goddess, a tradition the government continues.
On Friday, Hyderabad district collector Harichandana and officials visited the Lal Darwaza temple to check on security and traffic plans for the festival on Sunday. Police have coordinated with various departments to manage law and order, traffic, and devotee facilities effectively. They reviewed arrangements for medical services, barricades, media access, electricity, and water supply to ensure a hassle-free experience for all attending.
