Latest news with #Bonalufestival
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Telangana's Bonalu festival begins amid fanfare
Hyderabad: Bonalu festival, which symbolises the unique culture of Telangana, began on Thursday amid fanfare with devotees offering the first Bonam to goddess Jagadambika at historic Golconda Fort here. The month-long festivities kicked off with the traditional rituals performed by a group of priests. A procession was taken from Langar House to Jagdamba temple at the Golconda fort. A large number of women with pots on their heads, 'Potharajus' and devotees participated in the event. The women devotees offered 'Bonam', containing cooked rice, jaggery, curd and neem leaves to the goddess. Endowment Minister Konda Surekha presented silk robes to the goddess on behalf of the state government. Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Greater Hyderabad Mayor Gadwal Vijayalaxmi and others were present. Congress MLC and veteran actress Vijayashanti and Telangana Jagruthi president, and BRS MLC K. Kavitha participated in the celebrations. BJP MP Eatala Rajender and leaders of various political parties participated. Golconda Bonalu ushers in the 'Ashadam' month, during which the festival is celebrated at various places in Hyderabad, Secunderabad and other parts of Telangana. The celebrations are organised every Sunday and Thursday. Every year, the festival is held in Hyderabad in three phases. Golconda Bonalu will be followed by Lashkar Bonalu, which is held at Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad. The festivities will conclude at Sri Simhavahini Mahankali temple in Lal Darwaza and Sri Akkanna Madanna Mahankali temple in Haribowli in the old city of Hyderabad. Devotees, especially women, make offerings in the form of food to the goddess in specially decorated pots. It is commonly believed that the festival was first celebrated over 150 years ago following a major cholera outbreak. People believed that the epidemic was due to the anger of Mahankali and began offering Bonalu to placate her. This year, the state government has released Rs 20 crore for celebrating Bonalu. The Endowment Department distributed cheques to temple committees.
Hans India
10 hours ago
- General
- 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
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
CM Revanth extends Bonalu greetings
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has extended his warm greetings to the people of Telangana on the occasion of the Bonalu festival, which commenced from today and is celebrated annually with great fervour and gaiety. The Chief Minister noted that the festive atmosphere will officially begin with the Bonalu festival in the Ashada month. He expressed his hope that everyone would celebrate this festival, a profound symbol of Telangana's culture and traditions, with utmost devotion. The first Bonam of the Ashada month is being offered to Jagadambika Yellamma, who originated from the historic Golconda, signifying the vibrant buzz the local festival brings to the twin cities. On this auspicious occasion, the Chief Minister wished for the people to experience happiness, peace, and good health. He also expressed his hope that the state would receive bountiful rains and abundant crops, leading to progress in all fields with the blessings of the Goddess. CM Revanth Reddy stated that the state government has made special arrangements for organising the Bonalu festival in the twin cities, having already released Rs 20 crore to provide facilities for devotees. The Chief Minister instructed police officers to ensure that devotees do not face any difficulties and to implement strict security measures to prevent any untoward incidents. Officials from all departments have been directed to work in close coordination.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
Telangana: Minister Ponnam Prabhakar reviews arrangements for secunderabad Bonalu
In a proactive measure to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming Ujjaini Mahankali Bonalu Festival, In-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar convened a review meeting today in Secunderabad. The discussions primarily focused on precautionary measures aimed at preventing any issues during the festival celebrations dedicated to the goddess Ammavari. Minister Prabhakar emphasised the importance of hosting the historic Bonalu festival devoid of political influences, stating that the success of the event hinges on the cooperation of the local community. He acknowledged the contributions of all involved in the temple preparations and assured that arrangements for devotees would be comprehensive and problem-free. Key directives from the Minister included the installation of new cable wires within the temple to mitigate any risks of accidents, as well as the provision of a large keding jali for public safety. He underscored the tradition of hospitality in Hyderabad, urging local residents to warmly welcome devotees arriving from across the country and abroad. Given the festival's rotation among various locations weekly, the Minister urged officials to guarantee sufficient water supply in each area, suggesting that if needed, water services should be provided twice a day. While he acknowledged potential challenges of hosting multiple celebrations simultaneously across the city, he reiterated that staggered events held at different temples would alleviate some of these issues, and stressed that security measures from the police should be intensified. Minister Prabhakar highlighted that collaboration among all departmental officials is essential for the success of the event, following a prior review with state-level officials to plan festivities across 3,600 temples. Each temple, including Golconda, Ujjain Mahankali, Balkampet, and Lal Darwaza, will see dedicated celebrations weekly. The Minister reaffirmed that special arrangements are in place for the Jogins and noted that ensuring the smooth transport of bonams is a top priority, especially regarding VIP visits during less crowded periods. He concluded by calling on all community members and organisations, such as the Deccan Manav Seva Samiti, to engage actively in the celebrations, aiming to create a memorable event that will be etched in history. The review meeting was attended by MLA Talasani, District Collector Harichandana, and Deputy Mayor Mothe Srilatha.
