Hyderabad: The final phase of Ashada Masam Bonalu was celebrated with great enthusiasm in the city on Sunday. Thousands of devotees flocked to the Mahankali temples to take part in the festivities.
Women carried bonam on their heads with grace, while potharajus danced energetically to the rhythmic teen mar tunes. The processions were vibrant and colorful, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The devotees, especially women in traditional sarees, carried bonam pots adorned with neem leaves, turmeric, vermilion, and a lamp filled with rice cooked with milk and jaggery. They also carried saka, which is water with neem leaves. Potharajus and joginis, the main attractions of Bonalu, danced vigorously to the tunes played by bands and DJs.
At night, the atmosphere was electric with temples glowing in colorful lights. ‘Palaharam bandis’ and ‘tottela uregimpulu’ were taken out in a grand manner, adding to the festive spirit.
Major temples in the city, such as Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Mata Temple at Lal Darwaza, Sri Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Mata Temple at Hari Bowli in Old City, Sri Darbar Maisamma Temple at Karwan, and Sri Mahankali Temple at Amberpet, saw a huge rush of devotees. The temple management had organized separate queue lines for women to offer bonam.
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu offered silk clothes to the goddesses on behalf of the government. Several dignitaries, including Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Endowments Minister Konda Surekha, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya, and others visited the temple.
After praying at the Amberpet temple, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy emphasized the importance of worshipping nature during Bonalu. He prayed for the well-being and strength of the 140 crore people of the country.
The festival will culminate with predictions given by the oracle and a grand procession organized by the Ummidi Devalayala Uregimpu Committee. The Sri Akkanna Madanna Temple Committee will lead the procession, featuring the Ghatam deity on an elephant named Roopavathi, brought from Karnataka.
The City Police Commissioner will flag off the procession by performing puja to the goddesses on the elephant. A total of 25 Ghatams from major temples will be part of the colorful procession, which will pass through the main streets of the Old City on Monday. The route includes Hari Bowli, Maissamma Mahankali temple in Bela, Nehru Statue, Lal Darwaza X Roads, Shalibanda, Charminar, Pattarghatti, Madina, and will culminate at the Matha temple at Delhi Darwaza near Musi River at Nayapul.
