Golconda fort turns into sea of devotion, tradition for Bonalu
As the afternoon sky remained overcast on Sunday, the historic Golconda Fort transformed into a vibrant sea of devotion and tradition. From as far as half a kilometre away, roads leading to the fort were teeming with people, mostly women dressed in traditional sarees, carrying decorated bonams on their heads, accompanied by family members and bands playing rhythmic folk music. All were headed to seek the blessings of Goddess Jagadambika Yellamma, enshrined atop the fort.
The crowd began to increase as the day progressed, with narrow entrance gates of the fort witnessing a steady stream of devotees. Bonams, or earthen pots containing cooked rice, jaggery, curd and other offerings, balanced on the heads of women formed a striking sight against the backdrop of the ancient fort as they ascended its steep steps in unison.
'Our family has been coming here to celebrate Bonalu for decades now. Even though we live in Miyapur, which is on the other side of the city, there is a special feeling we get when we offer our prayers here,' said 49-year-old Anitha Devi, one of the many devotees climbing to the temple atop the fort.
Some devotees had completed their rituals earlier in the day and were preparing for a feast. 'We got done with the offerings. We will eat here and then head back home,' said 36-year-old Renuka Reddy, a resident of Kukatpally.
To manage the massive turnout, the police had put in place crowd control measures, including barricades to regulate entry and exit points. Medical teams and ambulances were stationed as a precautionary measure.
Endowments Commissioner S.Venkat Rao monitored the proceedings closely throughout the day. 'Police have been instructed to manage the growing crowds effectively, especially around the fort area. Measures have been taken to avoid overcrowding and maintain order throughout the event,' he said.
Bonalu, one of Telangana's most significant folk festivals, has its roots in the 18th century. According to local lore, during a deadly plague outbreak in 1813, soldiers from a military battalion stationed in Ujjaini prayed to Goddess Mahakali for protection. When the plague subsided and they returned home safely, they installed an idol of the goddess in gratitude. The annual Bonalu festival has since continued as a heartfelt tribute to the divine.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
Bangaru Bonalu presented to Goddess Kanaka Durga
Vijayawada: Telangana Bhagyanagar Sri Mahankali Jatara Bonalu Utsavalu Ummadi Devalayala Committee members presented Bangaru Bonalu to the Goddess Kanaka Durga at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy varla Devasthanm, the Durga temple on Indrakeeladri on Sunday. Committee president G Raghavendar has handed over Bangaru Bonalu to Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy on Indrakeeladri. Every year the Ummadi Devalaya Committee, Hyderabad offers Bonalu to the Goddess to mark the Ashada Masam. Over 500 devotees and artistes came from Hyderabad and performed rituals near the Jammidoddi junction in Brahmin street. Durga temple Executive Officer Seena Naik and the temple priests joined the Ummadi Devalaya committee members and performed special pujas near Jammidoddi centre. Later, a procession was taken out from Jammidoddi centre to Indrakeeladri passing via Ghat road. The Telangana devotees and artistes participated in a special attire performing dances and beating the drums and playing Kolatam. Andhra Pradesh artistes too joined the procession performing Kolatam, Nemali dance, Kagaram dance and wearing special attire. The devotees and artistes reached the Indrakeeladri temple via Ghat road with fanfare and performing the traditional and folk dances. Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayan Reddy welcomed the Ummadi Devalaya committee president G Raghavendar and other committee members. The Minister received the Golden Bonalu from Raghavendar. He and the visiting devotees prayed for the prosperity and wellbeing of all Telugu people living in two Telugu states. Durga temple EO Seena Naik instructed the officials to ensure food and all facilities to the devotees who came from Hyderabad. Several hundred devotees visited the Durga temple on Sunday. Keeping in view the heavy rush, the temple EO cancelled the Rs 500 ticket. Free Prasadam was given to the visiting devotees. Ummadi Devalayala Committee members, devotees and artistes expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made for them by the Durga temple administration.
Hans India
a day ago
- 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.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Golconda fort turns into sea of devotion, tradition for Bonalu
As the afternoon sky remained overcast on Sunday, the historic Golconda Fort transformed into a vibrant sea of devotion and tradition. From as far as half a kilometre away, roads leading to the fort were teeming with people, mostly women dressed in traditional sarees, carrying decorated bonams on their heads, accompanied by family members and bands playing rhythmic folk music. All were headed to seek the blessings of Goddess Jagadambika Yellamma, enshrined atop the fort. The crowd began to increase as the day progressed, with narrow entrance gates of the fort witnessing a steady stream of devotees. Bonams, or earthen pots containing cooked rice, jaggery, curd and other offerings, balanced on the heads of women formed a striking sight against the backdrop of the ancient fort as they ascended its steep steps in unison. 'Our family has been coming here to celebrate Bonalu for decades now. Even though we live in Miyapur, which is on the other side of the city, there is a special feeling we get when we offer our prayers here,' said 49-year-old Anitha Devi, one of the many devotees climbing to the temple atop the fort. Some devotees had completed their rituals earlier in the day and were preparing for a feast. 'We got done with the offerings. We will eat here and then head back home,' said 36-year-old Renuka Reddy, a resident of Kukatpally. To manage the massive turnout, the police had put in place crowd control measures, including barricades to regulate entry and exit points. Medical teams and ambulances were stationed as a precautionary measure. Endowments Commissioner Rao monitored the proceedings closely throughout the day. 'Police have been instructed to manage the growing crowds effectively, especially around the fort area. Measures have been taken to avoid overcrowding and maintain order throughout the event,' he said. Bonalu, one of Telangana's most significant folk festivals, has its roots in the 18th century. According to local lore, during a deadly plague outbreak in 1813, soldiers from a military battalion stationed in Ujjaini prayed to Goddess Mahakali for protection. When the plague subsided and they returned home safely, they installed an idol of the goddess in gratitude. The annual Bonalu festival has since continued as a heartfelt tribute to the divine.
