CHARMINAR: People turned up in large numbers to participate in the Mahankali
Ghatam procession in Old City on Monday, with the immersion of the Ghatams in Musi river at Nayapul.
Led by the elephant carrying Ghatam of Akkanna Madanna temple at Hari Bowli, the processions of different temples commenced in the evening. Many people lined up along the procession route to offer prayers to Goddess Mahankali. The 11-day
Bonalu festivities concluded with the Ghatam procession.
About 23 Mahankali temples across Old City made elaborate arrangements for the procession. The oracle, Anuradha, at Lal Darwaza temple said that there was no rain because of the increasing number of sins in the country. She said people who commit crimes will be punished accordingly and that she would protect her people at all times, no matter what the difficulty. Replying to a query, she said all those who were leaving the country should remember her before they leave to be safe in all kinds of difficult situations.
At most Mahankali temples, Ghatam processions commenced after 6pm and passed via Shalibanda,
Charminar, Gulzar Houz and Nayapul.
Though the processions started off late, police ensured that they were not delayed, said temple committee members of Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Manidram. This is the fifth year that Bonalu is being celebrated as a state festival. The state government released Rs 15 crore for arrangements this year.
The festival is celebrated in Hyderabad and
Secunderabad in July or August.
Devotees take part in a Bonalu procession in Hyderabad
