Bonalu transforms Lal Darwaza into a spectacle of faith, colour
Women, adorned in traditional attire and jewellery, carried bonams, decorated pots filled with cooked rice, milk and jaggery on their heads an offering symbolising gratitude and a prayer for protection from misfortune and disease. Alongside bonams, bangles and sarees were also presented to the deity.
The festive spirit extended across the lanes of Lal Darwaza, Hari Bowli, Sultan Shahi and neighbouring areas of the Old City. Temple committees had made extensive arrangements to manage the influx of devotees and ensure a seamless darshan.
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Minister Ponnam Prabhakar visited the Simhavahini Mahankali Temple, where they presented pattu vastralu (silk robes) to the deity. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy CM announced that the Telangana government has allocated ₹1,290 crore for the development and renovation of temples across the State.
'We are committed to enhancing the infrastructure and spiritual ambience of the Simhavahini Mahankali Temple and the surrounding area. The Bonalu festivities, which began on June 26, have so far been peaceful, thanks to the dedication of officials across departments,' he said.
Several other dignitaries also offered prayers to the goddess, including Adluri Laxman Kumar, Vakati Narayana Reddy, MPs Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy and Anil Kumar Yadav, Legislative Council Vice Chairman Banda Prakash, MLC K. Kavitha, Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender, Finance Commission Chairman Siricilla Rajaiah, Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, former Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, TTD chairman B.R. Naidu, former MP Anjan Kumar Yadav, Endowments Commissioner S. Venkat Rao, and Hyderabad District Collector Hari Chandana Dasari.
The Hyderabad Police made heavy security personnel and implemented strict traffic diversions in the Old City and other Bonalu hubs to ensure public safety and a smooth conduct of the festivities. With even larger crowds expected for the Simha Vaahini Sri Mahankali procession on Monday, several routes in the Old City will witness a shutdown of vehicular movement. In view of the celebrations, the State government has declared a public holiday on Monday for all educational institutions and government offices in Hyderabad.
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