Hyderabad witnessed a lively scene at Golkonda Fort on the first Sunday of the Ashada Masam Bonalu Festival. Many people, including families and children, visited the Sri Jagadambika Mahankali Temple for blessings.
From early Sunday, women carried ‘Bonam’ on their heads. After prayers, they shared meals with family and friends. A key attraction was the energetic dance by Shivasattulu and Potharajus to the beats of teenmar bands. Women in traditional saris carried Bonam in the morning, and a larger crowd gathered in the afternoon for the Potharajus and Shivasattulu.
Devotees from different parts of the city brought ‘Tottelu’ for the goddesses, often in grand processions led by Potharajus. The Kummari Sangham had the honor of offering the first Bonam, keeping with tradition. Managing the crowd was challenging for the police, but the water board provided drinking water to ensure comfort. The first Sunday’s puja concluded with great enthusiasm. The festivities at the Fort will continue for three more weeks before moving to other city temples.
Key dates for the Bonalu festival include events at Golkonda on 6 July, at Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad on 13 July, and in the Old City on 20 July. The famous Ummidi Devalayala Uregimpu Committee will lead a Ghatam procession on 13 July.
Additionally, the Kalyanotsavam of Sri Balkampet Yellamma will take place on 1 July, followed by the Ratholsavam procession on 2 July.
