Thousands Throng Old City Temples As Two-Day Bonalu Begins In Hyderabad

The two-day annual Bonalu festival began on a grand and colourful note across Hyderabad’s Old City on Sunday, with thousands of devotees thronging local temples to offer prayers. A festive atmosphere prevailed across several localities, including Lal Darwaza, Uppuguda, Gowlipura, Puranapul, Chatrinaka, Doodh Bowli, Begum Bazaar, and Madannapet, as traditional celebrations got underway.

Since early morning, women carrying decorated Bonam pots on their heads made their way to temples to offer traditional prayers to Goddess Mahankali. Long queues of devotees were witnessed at prominent shrines, including the Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Temple and the Akkanna Madanna Temple.

As part of the Bonam ritual, devotees offered cooked rice mixed with milk, jaggery, and curd to the Goddess. The decorated earthen pots used for the ritual were adorned with fresh neem leaves and topped with burning lamps.

Traditional Thottalu processions drawn from various colonies added vibrant colour to the day's celebrations. Youngsters danced to drum beats, while Potharajus, smeared with turmeric and dressed in traditional attire, led the processions to the major temples. Devotees and children followed along, joining in the festive spirit throughout the Old City.

Several political leaders, film personalities, and government officials visited the temples across the area to offer prayers and participate in celebrations. In addition, food distribution camps were organized at various places across the Old City for visiting devotees.

Elaborate security arrangements were made by the police department to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival, which continues on Monday with more religious programmes and processions.

Hyderabad City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar personally inspected the security arrangements at the Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Temple in Lal Darwaza on Sunday in connection with the Ashada Masam Bonalu celebrations. After reviewing the security, Sajjanar offered prayers to the Goddess and participated in special rituals at the temple.

Speaking on the occasion, Sajjanar confirmed that elaborate security measures had been put in place in and around the temple premises for 48 hours to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. He noted that the celebrations were progressing peacefully with the full cooperation of the visiting devotees.