A festive atmosphere enveloped in Hyderabad and its twin city Secunderabad for the last 22 days as
Bonalu, which reflects Telangana’s rich culture and tradition, was celebrated with much fervour and gaiety.
Scores of devotees thronged temples across the twin cities since morning to offer prayers to the Hindu goddess Mahankali, who is considered the primeval force of the universe. The festival, which witnesses pulsating drum beats and Telugu folk songs that reverberate from lanes and bylanes, is celebrated during the Hindu month of Ashadham every year.
Serpentine queues form at almost all the temples belonging to the various forms of Mahankali such as Jagadamba, Maisamma, mayee, Yellamma, Po ma and others.
“Temples spurt life during Bonalu with a riot of festivities and special pujas, starting from the first Sunday of Ashadham at one of the oldest temples of Jagadamba Mahanka li atop Golconda for M Lakshman, a prie Pochamma temple in jiguda, said. The temp located between rocks in a small cave-like structure.
“The native practice here is that the offerings that are cooked for the goddess are given at the lower level and the devotees climb the temple steps to offer their
y. t of them take it to the next level by applying
turmeric and vermillion on the steps while they are climbing up,” said K Kamalamma, a resident of Golconda.
The fact that devotees must pass Ibrahim Masjid before they reach the abode of the goddess and pothurajus, who lead Bonalu processions, stop by to pray at a
dargah before Fateh Darwaza after the procession begins at Langer Houz temple is a testimony of co-existence of faith.
While Akkanna-Madanna temple in Old City is said to be second oldest temple in the twin cities, festivities at Secunderabad’s Ujjaini Mahankali temple is something to look forward to. The temple dates back to the time of Asaf Jahi dynasty.
Indian artists wait to perform during a procession of 'Bonalu' festival in Hyderabad, India.
