Elephant Lakshmi Leads Lashkar Bonalu Procession in Secunderabad

The historic Lashkar Bonalu celebrations in Secunderabad featured a traditional Ambari procession led by the caparisoned elephant Lakshmi on Monday. Hundreds of devotees gathered along the route as the elephant carried the sacred portrait of Goddess Mahakali through the bustling streets.

The procession commenced at 12.30 pm and concluded around 5 pm, drawing massive crowds of local shopkeepers and devotees. Moving through Secunderabad, the procession covered roughly three kilometres along a route that passed through Mahankali Street, General Bazaar, MG Road, and RP Road.

Lakshmi was hired for the annual religious event by the Telangana Endowments Department from Karnataka. To ensure safety during the event, strict guidelines from forest departments capped the procession at five hours, banned all firecrackers, and mandated the presence of a qualified veterinary doctor.

Booming drum beats echoed along the route as high-energy performances accompanied the procession. The cultural procession featured traditional performers, including Potharajus, Shivasattus, and Jogini trance dancers moving alongside the elephant.

The traditional Ambari procession in Secunderabad precedes Lakshmi’s scheduled participation in two other major regional events. The elephant is set to participate in upcoming processions at the Nalla Pochamma Temple in Karwan and the Akkanna-Madanna Mahankali Temple in Hari Bowli, located in the Old City.