Picture of the week: In the grip of Bonalu fervour

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The Hindu
20 hours ago
- The Hindu
Picture of the week: In the grip of Bonalu fervour
Decorated with turmeric and vermillion, the bonam contains rice cooked with milk, sugar, and neem leaves as an offering to Goddess Kali. Bonalu, also known as Ashadam Jatara, is a major month-long folk festival celebrated across Telangana.


Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
A cultural event celebrates storytelling through theatre
Stage Parichay 2025 aimed to reconnect children with Indian culture through storytelling and theatre. The event featured Sanskrit chants, mythological plays, and a Navarasas performance, emphasizing values and imagination. A debate between Kali and Kalki explored themes of destruction and rebirth, concluding with a devotional song and recognition of the young participants. Stage Parichay 2025, held at a city club offered a powerful blend of storytelling, tradition, and theatre aimed at reconnecting children with Indian culture in an increasingly screen-dominated era. The event sought to revive the spirit of grandmother's tales through engaging performances and traditional narratives. From Sanskrit shlokas to mythological plays, the program emphasized values, imagination, and human connection. The day opened with a soulful chanting of Sanskrit verses by children aged 4 to 14, their synchronized voices creating an atmosphere of reverence that set the tone for the evening. Two plays followed, using humor and sensitivity to explore moral lessons, before moving into a powerful enactment of the Ram-Parshuram dialogue, a dramatic clash of dharma, anger, and restraint. One of the most striking moments of the evening was the solo performance of the Navarasas —the nine classical emotions—by a young participant, who conveyed each rasa using only gestures and silence. Her performance earned thunderous applause and left many in the audience visibly moved. Another highlight was a thought-provoking theatrical depiction of the Kalki Avatar , which served as a symbolic beacon of hope and reform amidst modern chaos. The emotional peak of the evening came during a debate staged between Kali and Kalki , exploring themes of destruction and rebirth. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One plan. Total peace of mind. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Questions posed by the young actors—'Has the world gone beyond reform?' and 'Is darkness preparing the way for light?'—left the audience in contemplative silence. The event concluded with a devotional song, 'O Kanha, ab to Murli ki,' bringing the program to an emotional close. All participating children were honored with certificates, celebrating their enthusiasm, dedication, and growth. Ask ChatGPT


Hans India
3 days ago
- Hans India
Bonalu brings Telangana's spirit to the heart of Delhi
New Delhi: The capital's iconic India Gate transformed into a vibrant celebration of culture and faith on Tuesday as the second day of the Lal Darwaza Bonalu festival was held with great fervor. Following the inaugural day led by Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Tuesday's centerpiece was a devotional Ghatam procession from India Gate to Telangana Bhavan, drawing large crowds and spiritual energy to the heart of New Delhi. It was organised by the Simhavahini Mahankali Temple Committee with support from the Telangana government, the event blended deep-rooted tradition with dazzling cultural expression. Telangana Resident Commissioner Shashank Goel attended the celebrations as the chief guest. The cultural procession featured more than 150 artists from the Telangana Department of Culture, performing traditional dappu drum beats, Pothuraju acts, Oggudolu dance forms, and Poorna Kumbham rituals. The sight of the sacred Ghatams moving through India Gate captivated visitors, residents, and tourists alike. Many foreign attendees were seen taking photos and videos, expressing admiration for the richness of Telangana's traditions and praising the energy and authenticity of the festival. After the procession, the sacred pots were installed in a special Ghat Sthapana ceremony at Telangana Bhavan. Women in traditional attire offered Bonams with reverence, while musicians and dancers filled the air with festive rhythm and devotional spirit, turning the Bhavan into a joyful cultural hub. Speaking on the occasion, members of the Simhavahini Mahankali Temple Committee expressed their reflections on the significance of the event,.'To host Bonalu at a place of national significance like India Gate is a proud moment for us and the entire Telangana community. This celebration not only connects our people to their roots but also allows others from across India and around the world to witness and appreciate the spiritual and artistic richness of Telangana. We are grateful to the Telangana government for making this possible.' 'This opportunity gave us a platform to bring Bonalu into the national spotlight. It wasn't just a festival — it was a moment of pride, unity, and cultural exchange. The support from the Telangana government and enthusiastic participation from people of all backgrounds made it even more special.' 'We thank the Telangana government wholeheartedly for creating the space for our traditions to shine at the national level. We also look forward to welcoming guests including Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya and other dignitaries at the concluding day celebrations.' The final day of the Bonalu celebrations will be held on Wednesday, July 2, at Telangana Bhavan.