Latest news with #AshadaMasamBonaluFestival
Hans India
30-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
Bonalu festivities: Thousands throng Golkonda Fort
Hyderabad: The Golkonda Fort premises presented a vibrant and crowded scene on the first Sunday of the Ashada Masam Bonalu Festival, as a multitude of men, women, the elderly, and children flocked to the Sri Jagadambika Mahankali Temple to seek blessings. From the early hours of Sunday, women were seen carrying 'Bonam' on their heads. Devotees were also observed preparing and sharing meals with their loved ones after offering their prayers to the goddesses. A major highlight at the Fort was the sight of Shivasattulu and Potharajus dancing energetically to the tunes of teenmar bands, captivating the crowds. While women in traditional saris carried Bonam in the morning, the entry of the Potharajus and Shivasattulu in the afternoon drew an even more massive crowd. Devotees from various parts of the city brought 'Tottelu' to offer to the goddesses, often in grand processions led by Potharajus. As per tradition, the Kummari Sangham was given the honour of offering the first Bonam. The police faced a challenging time managing the large crowd entering the Fort on this inaugural Sunday. The water board provided drinking water packets to the devotees, ensuring their comfort. The puja on the first Sunday of the State festival concluded with great fanfare, and the festivities at the Fort will continue for the next three weeks before moving to other temples across the city. The next significant dates for the Bonalu festival include the celebrations at Golkonda on 6 July, followed by festivities at the Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad on 13 July, with the Rangam procession on the following Monday. In the Old City, Bonalu will be held on 20 July, followed by Rangam and a large, colourful procession. A week before the final Bonalu in the Old City, members of the famous Ummidi Devalayala Uregimpu Committee will take out their Ghatam procession on 13 July. Meanwhile, the Kalyanotsavam of Sri Balkampet Yellamma will be held on 1 July adjacent to the temple, with the Ratholsavam procession scheduled for the following day, 2 July.
Hans India
18-06-2025
- Hans India
Uphold TG traditions; Hyderabad gung-ho over Bonalu fest: Mantri
Hyderabad: Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Tuesday instructed officials to uphold the rich culture and traditions of Telangana while organising the 'First Bonam' to Sri Jagadamba Mahankali Ammavaru, marking the commencement of the Ashada Masam Bonalu Festival from June 26. The Hyderabad District In charge Minister, participating in a review meeting at the Golconda Fort premises, expressed his desire for Telangana to be renowned worldwide through the Ashada Bonalu festival. The meeting brought together officials from the Police, Revenue, Road and Buildings (R&B), Electricity, Endowments, Medical Health, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Fire, Tourism, and Information departments to discuss arrangements for the Bonalu Jatara at Sri Jagadamba Mahankali Devasthanam. The Minister directed officials to make elaborate arrangements to ensure that devotees face no difficulties during the Bonalu festivities. He stressed that police should continuously monitor the situation to prevent any untoward incidents, while the R&B department should ensure barricades and toilets are readily available for devotees' comfort. The electricity department was tasked with maintaining a continuous power supply without outages, and the revenue department with overseeing all arrangements. Mr Prabhakar emphasised that all departments must work in coordination and service to ensure a peaceful Bonalu celebration. The Minister stated that the festival will commence on June 26 from Golconda, a tradition deeply embedded in Hyderabad for many years, and urged officials to take steps to avoid any inconvenience to pilgrims. He noted that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy had already allocated Rs 20 crore for the State Festivals. Prominent individuals, he added, would offer silk clothes to famous temples. He concluded by praying for abundant rains, thriving dairy crops, and good business for Telangana, by the grace of the goddess. Mr Prabhakar specifically instructed the GHMC to ensure sufficient sanitation staff, provision of drinking water facilities, continuous power supply, and the installation of additional generators. He also called for the establishment of health camps and ambulance services, alongside SHE teams to monitor and ensure the safety of women without any problems. The fire department was directed to remain alert to prevent fire accidents and keep fire engines ready. Lastly, the Road Transport Corporation (RTC) was asked to arrange special buses from various bus stops in Hyderabad to Golconda, anticipating a higher turnout of devotees due to the free bus services available for women.
