The Bonalu festival in Hyderabad will commence on July 7 at the Jagadambika temple in Golconda Fort. This month-long celebration, honoring the goddess Mahankali, will involve rituals and festivities across the city. The Telangana State Portal Calendar for 2024 designates Saturday, July 27, as the official holiday for Bonalu.
Bonalu begins in the Hindu calendar month of Ashada and involves devotees making food offerings in decorated pots to the goddess. Celebrations occur in three phases:
- Golconda Bonalu: Starts at the Jagadambika temple on July 7, with subsequent poojas on July 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28, and August 1 and 4.
- Lashkar Bonalu: Continues at the Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad.
- Finale: Concludes at the Sri Simhavahini Mahankali temple in Lal Darwaza and the Sri Akkanna Madanna Mahankali temple in Haribowli.
Bonalu Festival in Hyderabad to Begin Next Month: Holiday Scheduled for July 27
Hyderabad: The vibrant and culturally significant Bonalu festival is set to commence in Hyderabad on July 7 at the Jagadambika temple in Golconda Fort. This month-long festival, celebrated with fervor and devotion, is likely to see the Telangana government announce a public holiday on July 27, which is listed under ‘General Holidays’ in the Telangana State Portal Calendar for 2024.
A Festival Rooted in Tradition
Bonalu, which coincides with the ‘Ashada’ month of the Hindu calendar, is a major festival dedicated to goddess Mahankali. It is particularly significant for women, who make offerings of food to the goddess in beautifully decorated pots. These offerings, known as Bonalu, symbolize gratitude and devotion, and are believed to placate the goddess, ensuring the well-being of the community.
The origins of Bonalu date back over 150 years to a time when a cholera epidemic ravaged the region. It is believed that the outbreak was a manifestation of the goddess Mahankali’s anger, and the people began the tradition of offering Bonalu to appease her and seek her protection.
Three Phases of Celebration
The festival unfolds in three distinct phases across Hyderabad, each marked by its own set of rituals and celebrations.
- Golconda Bonalu: The festival kicks off at the historic Golconda Fort, with the initial ceremony on July 7. This is followed by subsequent poojas on July 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28, and August 1 and 4.
- Lashkar Bonalu: The second phase takes place at the Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad. This phase is marked by grand processions, traditional dances, and communal prayers.
- Concluding Celebrations: The final phase of Bonalu is observed at the Sri Simhavahini Mahankali temple in Lal Darwaza and the Sri Akkanna Madanna Mahankali temple in Haribowli, located in the old city of Hyderabad. These concluding ceremonies are known for their elaborate rituals and the participation of large crowds of devotees.
Community Participation and Cultural Significance
Bonalu is not just a religious festival but also a cultural spectacle that brings together people from all walks of life. The streets of Hyderabad come alive with processions, traditional music, and dance performances. Temples are adorned with colorful decorations, and the air is filled with the aroma of various offerings prepared for the goddess.
The festival also underscores the communal harmony and collective spirit of the people. It is a time when the entire community comes together to celebrate their shared heritage and express their devotion.
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Government’s Role and Preparations
With the festival drawing near, the Telangana government is expected to make formal announcements regarding the holiday and any special arrangements for the celebrations. Security measures, traffic management, and sanitation efforts are typically ramped up to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival.
In anticipation of the large crowds, the government and local authorities coordinate with temple committees to facilitate the safe and orderly movement of devotees. Special attention is given to maintaining hygiene and safety standards, especially in light of the festival’s origins tied to a health crisis.
As Hyderabad prepares to welcome the Bonalu festival, the city is set to immerse itself in a month-long celebration of devotion, tradition, and community spirit. The holiday on July 27 will allow people to fully partake in the festivities, honoring a tradition that has been a cornerstone of Hyderabad’s cultural and religious landscape for over a century.
Bonalu stands as a testament to the enduring faith and cultural richness of Telangana, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s heritage and the collective resilience of its people.
