Colourful Bonalu festivities light up Hyderabad’s Old City; ministers participate in rituals

Hyderabad: Thousands of devotees flocked to the historic temples in Hyderabad’s Old City on Sunday to celebrate the vibrant Bonalu festival with great devotion and grandeur.

Women offer traditional ‘Bonam’ to Goddess Mahankali

Women, dressed in colourful traditional attire, carried decorated brass pots filled with cooked rice and jaggery – known as ‘Bonam’ – and formed long queues to offer prayers to Goddess Mahankali at the Simhavahini Mahankali Ammavari temple in Lal Darwaja.

Deputy CM presents silk clothes to deity

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu offered silk clothes to Goddess Simhavahini Mahankali Ammavaru on behalf of the State government and performed special poojas. Speaking to the media, he said, “Bonalu is the soul of Telangana culture. My heartfelt greetings to all devotees who continue this age-old tradition with deep devotion.”

He added that Bonalu festivities, which begin from the Golconda Fort, continue through Secunderabad and culminate at Lal Darwaja, reflecting the peaceful and devotional spirit of the people.

Rs 20 crore allocated for Bonalu celebrations

Bhatti Vikramarka informed that the government has allocated Rs 1,290 crore from the Common Good Fund for temple development across Telangana, of which Rs 20 crore is dedicated to Bonalu celebrations in Greater Hyderabad. He lauded government staff and temple employees for ensuring hassle-free arrangements for devotees.

He also recalled chief minister A Revanth Reddy’s announcement to improve temple infrastructure and said steps will soon be taken for the development of Lal Darwaja Mahankali temple surroundings.

IT minister performs rituals at Haribowli temple

As part of the ongoing Ashada Bonalu festival, IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu offered silk clothes and performed special poojas at Sri Akkanna Madanna temple in Haribowli. Extending greetings, he said, “Bonalu is not just a festival but a powerful expression of Telangana’s cultural heritage and collective spirit. It reflects our identity, unity and devotion.”

He informed that Rs 20 crore has been released for Bonalu celebrations in Hyderabad, benefiting 2,783 temples, and assured the government’s continued support for preserving cultural heritage.

Ministers offer prayers at Charminar temple

Meanwhile, Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and Hyderabad In-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar offered silk robes and performed special poojas at the Charminar Bhagyalakshmi temple. Komatireddy said:

“May all people be prosperous and happy. Bonalu echoes across the world and puts Telangana’s traditions on the global map.”

He also stated that the government is committed to ensuring metro connectivity to the Old City and promoting its development with the blessings of the Goddess.

1,200 police personnel deployed

To ensure the smooth conduct of the festivities, around 1,200 police personnel were deployed in and around the temples. CCTV cameras were installed at strategic locations to monitor proceedings.

Special crime teams were deployed to prevent incidents of pickpocketing and chain snatching, while SHE Teams patrolled in plain clothes to curb eve-teasing.

The Rapid Action Force (RAF) was also deployed in sensitive areas to maintain peace.