Date: July 7, 2024
Hyderabad, Telangana
The vibrant Bonalu festival kicked off with fervor and devotion as thousands of devotees gathered at the historic Golconda Fort to pay homage to goddess Jagadambika. This month-long celebration, deeply rooted in Telangana’s rich culture, commenced with the traditional Golconda Bonalu.
Key Highlights:
- Silk Robes and Rituals: Endowment minister Konda Surekha, representing the state government, presented silk robes to the revered goddess. Dignitaries including Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar and Minister for Transport Ponnam Prabhakar graced the occasion.
- Procession and Potharajus: A colorful procession wove its way from Langar House to the Jagdamba temple within the Golconda fort. Devotees, especially women, carried pots on their heads, and the lively ‘Potharajus’ added to the festive spirit.
- Bonam Offering: Women devotees offered ‘Bonam’—a delightful mix of cooked rice, jaggery, curd, and neem leaves—as a symbol of gratitude and reverence to the goddess.
- Ashadam Month Tradition: Golconda Bonalu marks the beginning of the ‘Ashadam’ month, during which the festival is celebrated across Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and other parts of Telangana.
- Three-Phase Celebration: The festivities continue with Lashkar Bonalu at the Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad. The grand finale awaits at the Sri Simhavahini Mahankali temple in Lal Darwaza and the Sri Akkanna Madanna Mahankali temple in Haribowli, the heart of old Hyderabad.
- Historical Origins: Bonalu’s roots trace back over 150 years when a cholera outbreak gripped the region. People believed that appeasing goddess Mahankali through Bonalu offerings would quell her anger.
- Government Support: The state government allocated Rs 20 crore for this year’s Bonalu celebrations, emphasizing its cultural significance.
- Coffee Table Book and Melodies: The endowment department released a festival calendar, a coffee table book, and CDs featuring Bonalu-inspired songs.
As the rhythmic beats and sacred chants fill the air, Bonalu 2024 promises to be a memorable blend of tradition, faith, and community spirit.
