The Lal Darwaza Bonalu festivities, which celebrate the culture of Telangana, will be held in Delhi for three days. This year marks the 10th year of celebrations in the capital. The Simhavahini Sri Mahankali Devalayam Temple authorities in Lal Darwaza, Old City, have made all arrangements for the upcoming festival.
The festival in Delhi will take place from July 8 to July 10 with a special puja to the Kali Matha. The former chairman of the temple committee, K Venkatesh, mentioned that preparations are underway in Delhi to showcase the Telangana culture to a wider audience.
In Hyderabad, the Bonalu festivities kick off with an offering to the goddess at the Jagadamba temple on July 7. The celebrations continue at Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad and culminate at Lal Darwaza Temple on July 28, with the main procession happening on July 29.
The Bonalu festival begins in the ‘Ashada’ month according to the Hindu calendar, honoring the goddess Mahankali. Devotees, particularly women, make food offerings to decorated pots as part of the celebrations.
The temple committee chairman, C Rajender Yadav, mentioned that preparations are underway for the 11-day event with the support of various departments. The festival attracts devotees not only from Hyderabad but also from neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
The tradition of Lal Darwaza Bonalu celebrations dates back to the time of Nizam VI Mir Mahboob Ali Khan. This year marks 116 years of celebrations at the temple. The festival is known for its grand ceremonies and offerings made by kings, politicians, and ministers.
