The streets of Lal Darwaza in Hyderabad came alive with vibrant colours and devotional chants on Sunday as thousands of devotees thronged the Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Temple and Akkanna Madanna Temple to mark Bonalu festival. Celebrated on the third Sunday of Ashada masam, the annual event saw an overwhelming turnout of worshippers offering bonam to goddess Mahankali.

Devotees carry bonams during Bonalu festival at Lal Darwaza Simhavahini Mahankali Temple in Hyderabad on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
RAMAKRISHNA G.

Women, adorned in traditional attire and jewellery, carried bonams, decorated pots filled with cooked rice, milk and jaggery on their heads an offering symbolising gratitude and a prayer for protection from misfortune and disease. Alongside bonams, bangles and sarees were also presented to the deity.

A devotee with his bonam at Lal Darwaza Simhavahini Mahankali Temple in Hyderabad on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
RAMAKRISHNA G.

The festive spirit extended across the lanes of Lal Darwaza, Hari Bowli, Sultan Shahi and neighbouring areas of the Old City. Temple committees had made extensive arrangements to manage the influx of devotees and ensure a seamless darshan.

Devotees waiting in queue to offer prayers to goddess Kali during Bonalu festival at Lal Darwaza Simhavahini Mahankali Temple in Hyderabad on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
RAMAKRISHNA G.

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Minister Ponnam Prabhakar visited the Simhavahini Mahankali Temple, where they presented pattu vastralu (silk robes) to the deity. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy CM announced that the Telangana government has allocated ₹1,290 crore for the development and renovation of temples across the State.

Telangana Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and MP Anil Kumar Yadav participating in the Bonalu festival at Lal Darwaza Simhavahini Mahankali Temple in Hyderabad on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
RAMAKRISHNA G

“We are committed to enhancing the infrastructure and spiritual ambience of the Simhavahini Mahankali Temple and the surrounding area. The Bonalu festivities, which began on June 26, have so far been peaceful, thanks to the dedication of officials across departments,” he said.

Devotees take out procession of Goddess Mahankali at Chappal Bazzar during Bonalu celebrations in Hyderabad on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
SIDDHANT THAKUR

Several other dignitaries also offered prayers to the goddess, including Adluri Laxman Kumar, Vakati Narayana Reddy, MPs Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy and Anil Kumar Yadav, Legislative Council Vice Chairman Banda Prakash, MLC K. Kavitha, Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender, Finance Commission Chairman Siricilla Rajaiah, Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, former Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, TTD chairman B.R. Naidu, former MP Anjan Kumar Yadav, Endowments Commissioner S. Venkat Rao, and Hyderabad District Collector Hari Chandana Dasari.

Devotees offer prayers to Nalla Pochamma and Mata Mahankali Devi Ammavar during Bonalu festival at Sabji Mandi in Hyderabad on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
RAMAKRISHNA G

The Hyderabad Police made heavy security personnel and implemented strict traffic diversions in the Old City and other Bonalu hubs to ensure public safety and a smooth conduct of the festivities. With even larger crowds expected for the Simha Vaahini Sri Mahankali procession on Monday, several routes in the Old City will witness a shutdown of vehicular movement. In view of the celebrations, the State government has declared a public holiday on Monday for all educational institutions and government offices in Hyderabad.