Devotion & drums: Month-long Bonalu festival starts at Golconda Fort with Bonam offering to Goddess Jagadambika
HYDERABAD: The vibrant Bonalu festival, a spirited celebration of Telangana's rich cultural and spiritual heritage, commenced on Thursday in a grand and devotional atmosphere.
Rooted in centuries-old customs, Bonalu is celebrated during the Ashada masam (July–Aug) to honour the Goddess Mahakali for protecting people from disease and evil. The rituals began with priests invoking divine blessings, followed by a lively procession from Langar Houz to the hilltop Jagadamba temple.
Hundreds of women, clad in vibrant sarees and traditional jewellery, carried intricately decorated earthen pots on their heads.
These Bonams—offerings of cooked rice, jaggery, curd, and neem leaves—symbolise devotion and a prayer for protection.
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They were accompanied by Potharajus, whip-wielding guardians believed to represent goddess's brother, dancing energetically to the beats of drums.
Endowments minister Konda Surekha offered 'pattu vastrams' to the deity on behalf of the state govt. The festivities were attended by Greater Hyderabad mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, assembly speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, and transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar, among others.
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Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Devotion & drums: Month-long Bonalu festival starts at Golconda Fort with Bonam offering to Goddess Jagadambika
HYDERABAD: The vibrant Bonalu festival, a spirited celebration of Telangana's rich cultural and spiritual heritage, commenced on Thursday in a grand and devotional atmosphere. Rooted in centuries-old customs, Bonalu is celebrated during the Ashada masam (July–Aug) to honour the Goddess Mahakali for protecting people from disease and evil. The rituals began with priests invoking divine blessings, followed by a lively procession from Langar Houz to the hilltop Jagadamba temple. Hundreds of women, clad in vibrant sarees and traditional jewellery, carried intricately decorated earthen pots on their heads. These Bonams—offerings of cooked rice, jaggery, curd, and neem leaves—symbolise devotion and a prayer for protection. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad They were accompanied by Potharajus, whip-wielding guardians believed to represent goddess's brother, dancing energetically to the beats of drums. Endowments minister Konda Surekha offered 'pattu vastrams' to the deity on behalf of the state govt. The festivities were attended by Greater Hyderabad mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, assembly speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, and transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar, among others.
Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
Grand celebrations set to mark the Golconda Bonalu in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: The city is buzzing with excitement as preparations for the month-long Bonalu fair are now complete. Festive decorations adorn temples, with turmeric and saffron enhancing the vibrant atmosphere. The Bonalu festival, which embodies the rich culture and traditions of Telangana, commences today. The celebration traditionally begins with the first puja dedicated to Jagadambika Ammavaru, located at Golconda Fort. The festivities culminate with the final bonam offered at the fort itself. Throughout the month, nine pujas will take place every Thursday and Sunday. The first bonam ritual, a significant aspect of the festival, is entrusted to the residents of Langar House, historically known as Langar Khana. In the past, this venue served as a cooking area where food grains were stored and meals prepared for kings and soldiers. This age-old tradition continues, with offerings to the goddess originating from Langar House. Ministers will represent the government in offering silk garments to the goddess, commencing the procession at Langar House. Following a puja at the chief priest's residence in Chotabazar, the goddess, accompanied by the bonas, will be conveyed in a palanquin to her temple on the fort. Key figures, including Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, MLA Konda Surekha, Mayor Vijayalakshmi, City Police Commissioner CV Anand, and various public representatives are expected to participate in this ceremony. The goddess will be adorned with ornate jewellery during the initial offerings, after which devotees will gather to present their own bonas. A significant mass Bonalu procession is scheduled for July 6, featuring over 100 water tanks that will journey from the main temples of the city, including Secunderabad Ujjaini Mahakali, Miralamandi Ammavaru, and Laldarwaja Ammavaru, before reaching Langar House by July 10. The collective procession will then proceed to Golconda Fort.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Hans India
Welfare Fund turns a boon for archakas, temple staff in state
As many as 18 Archakas and temple employees got over Rs 32 lakh under gratuity and medical benefits, thanks to the Archaka and Employees Welfare Fund started by the Endowments Department recently. Some of the employees got a benefit ranging from Rs 1 lakh to over Rs 6.5 lakh. The Archakas hailed the Endowments Minister Konda Surekha, stating that she had fulfilled the desires of priests and employees who have been working in the Endowment Department over the years. A special fund was set up for the welfare of priests and employees who were providing services in all temples for a long time. Endowment Minister Konda Surekha, Endowment Director Venkata Rao and other officials handed over the Archaka and Employment Welfare Fund cheques. Gratuity and medical assistance were provided to 18 employees through the Archaka Welfare Fund Trust. Konda Surekha handed over the cheque of Rs 32 lakh to the employees. Copies of the order were given to them as a farewell. Later, the minister felicitated the retired employees. Surekha explained that her government was committed to the welfare of Archakas and employees. She said that about 13,700 Archakas and other employees working in temples up to the level of Assistant Commissioner under the Endowment Department would benefit through this welfare trust. She said that posthumous or retirement gratuity would be given to priests and other employees. She said that posthumous gratuity would be given to the 'Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam' priests. She said that this fund would be used to pay ex-gratia paid posthumously and for the expenses of last rites. Under this fund, employees will be provided with medical reimbursement, marriage scheme, upanayana scheme, house construction, purchase and repair scheme, education scheme, financial assistance scheme for disabled employees who cannot perform their duties. 'We are indebted to Endowment Department Minister Surekhamma. Thank you Konda Surekha for resolving the issue which has been pending for years. The minister has helped us immensely. It is heartening to note that the posthumous or retirement gratuity scheme for regular priests and other employees has been increased from Rs 4 lakh lakh to Rs 8 lakh by the Welfare Board on May 28,' said an Archaka.
