Hyderabad: The grand celebration of Sri Renuka Yellamma Ammavaru’s celestial wedding took place at Balkampet on Tuesday. The sacred event, known as Kalyanotsavam, began at 11:55 am. Endowments Minister Konda Surekha presented silk garments to the deities. This special ceremony is traditionally held on the first Tuesday of Ashada Masam.
Devotees started gathering at the temple from 5 am. Temple officials arranged queue lines and VIP access for the attendees. Many devotees and Shiva Sattulu came to witness the event, and the crowd was so large that it took five hours for everyone to get a glimpse of the goddess. The Kalyanotsavam lasts for three days, featuring ‘Edurukolu’ on the first day, the wedding on the second, and Rathotsavam on the third.
Minister Konda Surekha highlighted the importance of Balkampet Yellamma as a protector who alleviates the troubles of Hyderabad’s people. She noted the association of the Bonalu festival with the month of Ashadham and its historical significance during a past pandemic. The belief is that Balkampet Yellamma safeguarded many lives during that crisis, making Bonalu a cherished celebration.
This year, the government, led by CM A Revanth Reddy, allocated Rs 20 crores to ensure smooth proceedings without any issues. The minister mentioned that numerous devotees visit the goddess annually and that everything was arranged for their convenience. She expressed her fortune in offering silk clothes to the goddess on behalf of the government and prayed for favorable rains and healthy crops.
Traffic restrictions were enforced on Balkampet road by the traffic police. City Police Commissioner CV Anand oversaw the preparations, inspecting the control room and CCTV center to ensure effective crowd management and public safety.
Hyderabad In-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Rajya Sabha member Anil Kumar Yadav, City Mayor Gadwala Vijayalakshmi, Hyderabad Collector Hari Chandana, and others attended the event.
