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 Set to Commence Next Month
Hyderabad: The vibrant and deeply revered Bonalu festival is set to commence in Hyderabad on July 7 at the historic Jagadambika temple in Golconda Fort. This month-long festival, which honors the goddess Mahankali, will be observed with fervent rituals and cultural celebrations across the city.
Holiday Announcement
According to the Telangana State Portal Calendar for 2024, the official holiday for Bonalu in Telangana is scheduled for Saturday, July 27. This day is listed under ‘General Holidays,’ allowing citizens to partake in the festivities and traditions associated with this significant cultural event.
Festival Overview
Bonalu begins in the Hindu calendar month of Ashada and is marked by devotees, particularly women, making offerings to the goddess Mahankali. These offerings typically consist of food presented in elaborately decorated pots. The festival is celebrated in three phases across Hyderabad, each phase steeped in ritual and community participation.
- Golconda Bonalu: The festival kicks off at the Jagadambika temple in Golconda Fort. Following the initial ceremony on July 7, subsequent poojas will be held on July 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28, and August 1 and 4.
- Lashkar Bonalu: Following Golconda, celebrations move to the Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad.
- Finale: The festivities conclude 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.
Historical Significance
The origins of Bonalu are rooted in history, dating back over 150 years to a time when Hyderabad was struck by a severe cholera outbreak. The community attributed the epidemic to the wrath of goddess Mahankali. To appease her and seek her protection, they began the tradition of Bonalu, which has since become an annual expression of gratitude and devotion.
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Cultural and Social Impact
Bonalu is not only a religious festival but also a cultural spectacle that brings together people from various walks of life. The streets of Hyderabad come alive with colorful processions, traditional music, and dance. Devotees, dressed in vibrant attire, carry the decorated pots on their heads to the temples, symbolizing their prayers and offerings to the goddess.
The festival also features various community events, fairs, and cultural programs, enhancing the sense of unity and shared heritage among the participants. It is a time when the city celebrates its cultural identity, fostering a spirit of togetherness and communal harmony.
As Hyderabad prepares for the Bonalu festival, the city is set to witness a blend of devotion, tradition, and celebration. With its historical roots and cultural significance, Bonalu continues to be a pivotal event in the calendar of Hyderabad, reflecting the rich tapestry of its religious and cultural life. The official holiday on July 27 will allow more people to engage in the festivities, honoring a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
