Latest news with #LashkarBonalu
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Secunderabad streets soak in Bonalu spirit
HYDERABAD: The lanes of Secunderabad transformed into a vibrant canvas of devotion and tradition on Sunday as the two-day grand Lashkar Bonalu celebrations began at the historic Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple. With the sun beating down harshly, thousands of devotees — young and old — braved the heat to offer prayers and take part in one of Telangana's most significant folk festivals. From early morning at 3 am, hundreds of women, draped in bright traditional sarees and adorned with flowers, made their way through the crowded streets carrying Bonams — decorated clay pots filled with rice, jaggery, curd, turmeric, and neem leaves, with a small lit lamp on top of their heads. Local devotees expressed their emotional connection to the festival. Rupa Sarath, from Uppal, said, 'I have been coming here for 15 years. No matter how hot it gets, offering a Bonam gives me peace.' Ruthika, a young woman from Bholakpur, said, 'It's part of my life since childhood. We've grown up coming to Bonalu. Even the heat can't stop us.' Eventually, as the sun set, the streets grew busier and livelier. Potharajus, the traditional guardians of the goddess, danced to drumbeats, covered in turmeric and striking their whips, creating energy in the crowd. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy visited the temple to offer pattu vastralu (silk clothes) to the goddess and participated in special pujas. He was welcomed with a traditional Poornakumbham by temple priests and greeted by devotees. Accompanying him were Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, Konda Surekha, Danasari Anasuya, and CM's Advisor Vem Narender Reddy.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- New Indian Express
Ujjaini Mahakali temple in Secunderabad gears up for Lashkar Bonalu
HYDERABAD: To ensure the smooth conduct of Lashkar Bonalu celebrations, 45 CCTV cameras have been installed, and a command control room has been set up at the Mahankali police station. RP Road will be closed to traffic during the festivities. For devotees' convenience, several additional amenities have been arranged, including battery-operated cars for senior citizens, LED display screens at key points, waterproof shelters, and temporary toilets. The two-day Bonalu festivities at the Ujjaini Mahakali temple in Secunderabad, scheduled for July 13 and 14, mark the pinnacle of Ashada month celebrations. The temple has been decorated with flowers,and barricading works are near completion. An estimated 40 to 45 lakh devotees are expected to participate in the event. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma visited the temple and performed special pujas. A gold Bonam and a Pochampally saree will be offered to the deity as part of the ceremonial offerings. The iconic 30-year-old elephant from Karnataka will lead the Rangam procession. TGSRTC to operate over 170 special buses for Bonalu Hyderabad: In view of the Ujjaini Mahankali Bonalu celebrations, TGSRTC has arranged special bus services on July 13 and 14 for devotees. Over 170 special buses will be operated from various key locations to Secunderabad. Buses will ply from MGBS, Kachiguda Railway Station, Jubilee Bus Stand, Charminar, Mehdipatnam, Nampally, Old Alwal, Sainikpuri, Sanathnagar, Borabanda, Patancheru, and other locations. Devotees can reach out to communication centres set up at Rathifile Bus Station (9959226154) and Koti Bus Stand (9959226160) for assistance.
