In Hyderabad, the Ujjaini Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad is getting ready for the Lashkar Bonalu celebrations during the ongoing Ashada month. The two-day event will start on July 21 and preparations are in full swing.
Lighting and barricade works are currently underway at the temple, which is also adorned with beautiful flower decorations. Devotees are already flocking to the temple, with festivities already kicking off. The main highlight of the event will be on July 21 (Bonalu) and July 22 (Rangam).
The authorities at Ujjaini Mahankali Temple are expecting over 40 lakh devotees to attend the festival this year, compared to the 35 lakh who visited in 2023. Special offerings like a saree from Pochampally and a gold Bonam will be presented to the deity. An elephant named Rupavathi from Karnataka will also participate in the Rangam procession this year.
To ensure the safety and convenience of devotees, various arrangements have been made, including the installation of CCTV cameras, ban on vehicle movement on RP road, battery cars for senior citizens, and setting up of toilet facilities by GHMC. A waterproof shed will also be erected to protect devotees from rain and sun.
Overall, the temple authorities, along with GHMC, HMWSSB, HMDA, TSSPDCL, and police departments, are working tirelessly to make sure the annual State festival is a grand success.