Bonalu Concludes in Old City with Mahankali Ghatam Immersion in Musi River
The two-day Bonalu festivities in Hyderabad’s Old City drew to a grand conclusion on Monday evening with the ceremonial immersion of Mahankali ghatams in the Musi River at Nayapul. Thousands of devotees gathered along the procession route from Hari Bowli to Nayapul to seek blessings and participate in the final events of the festival.
The grand procession featured ceremonial ghatams from several prominent Mahankali temples located in the Old City. Among the primary participants were the ghatams from the Sri Simhavahini Mahankali temple and the historic Akkanna Madanna temple situated at Hari Bowli. Placed atop a caparisoned elephant, the ghatam of the Akkanna Madanna temple led the procession as it moved through the streets.
The colourful procession began near Lal Darwaza and covered several historic localities across the Old City. Moving from Hari Bowli, the procession passed through Shahalibanda, Charminar, Gulzar Houz, and Pathergatti before eventually arriving at Nayapul near the riverbank.
A festive atmosphere prevailed along the route as traditional drum beats, devotional music, and cultural performances accompanied the rally. Potharajus, dressed in traditional attire and smeared with turmeric and vermilion, led the movement with energetic dances set to the beat of drums. Folk artists who traveled from different parts of Telangana also performed traditional numbers, adding to the cultural display.
Hyderabad Commissioner of Police VC Sajjanar flagged off the procession from the Akkanna Madanna temple in Hari Bowli. Senior police officials and adequate police personnel were stationed along the route to manage the large turnout of devotees and facilitate the smooth movement of the procession.
When the procession reached Nayapul, priests conducted special religious rituals for the ghatams. The Mahankali ghatams were then ceremonially immersed in the Musi River, officially bringing the two-day Bonalu celebrations in the Old City to a close.