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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.
New Indian Express
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Bonalu begins in grand style at Golconda
HYDERABAD: The historic Golconda Fort came alive with colour, devotion and festive fervour as the annual Bonalu celebrations kicked off on a grand note on Thursday. The month-long festivities began with traditional prayers to Goddess Jagadambika at the Sri Jagadamba Mahankali temple atop the fort. The first Bonam — a traditional offering of rice, jaggery, curd and neem leaves carried in decorated brass or earthen pots — was brought in a massive procession from Langar Houz Crossroads, accompanied by beats of drums, chants and the rhythmic dance of 'Potharajus' wielding whips. Women dressed in vibrant traditional attire thronged the temple, offering Bonams to the goddess as priests performed age-old rituals. The celebration, rooted in Telangana's rich folk culture, draws lakhs of devotees every year from Hyderabad, Secunderabad and beyond. Endowments Minister Konda Surekha presented 'Pattu Vastralu' (silk robes) to the goddess on behalf of the state government. The event also saw participation from Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Mayor Gadwal Vijayalaxmi, BJP MP Eatala Rajender, BRS MLC K Kavitha, Congress MLC and veteran actress Vijayashanti, among other leaders. Bonalu festivities are held in three phases across the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Following the Golconda celebrations, Secunderabad Bonalu at Ujjaini Mahankali temple will take place on July 13 and 14, and the festival will conclude with Lal Darwaza and Old City Bonalu on July 20 and 21. To support the celebrations, the state government has released `20 crore to 2,783 Mahankali temples in Hyderabad. Authorities have put in place elaborate security and traffic arrangements to ensure a smooth experience for devotees.
Hans India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Telangana's Bonalu festival begins amid fanfare
Hyderabad: Bonalu festival, which symbolises the unique culture of Telangana, began on Thursday amid fanfare with devotees offering the first Bonam to goddess Jagadambika at historic Golconda Fort here. The month-long festivities kicked off with the traditional rituals performed by a group of priests. A procession was taken from Langar House to Jagdamba temple at the Golconda fort. A large number of women with pots on their heads, 'Potharajus' and devotees participated in the event. The women devotees offered 'Bonam', containing cooked rice, jaggery, curd and neem leaves to the goddess. Endowment Minister Konda Surekha presented silk robes to the goddess on behalf of the state government. Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Greater Hyderabad Mayor Gadwal Vijayalaxmi and others were present. Congress MLC and veteran actress Vijayashanti and Telangana Jagruthi president, and BRS MLC K. Kavitha participated in the celebrations. BJP MP Eatala Rajender and leaders of various political parties participated. Golconda Bonalu ushers in the 'Ashadam' month, during which the festival is celebrated at various places in Hyderabad, Secunderabad and other parts of Telangana. The celebrations are organised every Sunday and Thursday. Every year, the festival is held in Hyderabad in three phases. Golconda Bonalu will be followed by Lashkar Bonalu, which is held at Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad. The festivities will conclude at Sri Simhavahini Mahankali temple in Lal Darwaza and Sri Akkanna Madanna Mahankali temple in Haribowli in the old city of Hyderabad. Devotees, especially women, make offerings in the form of food to the goddess in specially decorated pots. It is commonly believed that the festival was first celebrated over 150 years ago following a major cholera outbreak. People believed that the epidemic was due to the anger of Mahankali and began offering Bonalu to placate her. This year, the state government has released Rs 20 crore for celebrating Bonalu. The Endowment Department distributed cheques to temple committees.
