Hyderabad: The Ujjaini Mahakali Bonalu festival in Secunderabad has commenced with grandeur and splendor. After the initial prayers, Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav presented silk clothes to the goddess on behalf of the government at 3:30 am. The minister, along with his family, performed special rituals and paid homage to the goddess. Devotees formed queues from Teluguvarujamu to the temple of the goddess, offering their prayers and presenting offerings. Despite a large number of devotees, the government made special arrangements to ensure smooth proceedings. MLC Kavitha will also offer prayers to the Mahakali goddess at 9:30 am. Pujas will continue at various locations in Adaiya Nagar.
Six Queues for Devotees
To facilitate the darshan for devotees, a total of six queues have been arranged. The line starts from Bata Chowrasta and extends to the New Arch Gate near MG Road Rangopalpet Police Station, then to Mahankali Police Station. In addition, two queues have been set up from Anjali Talkies towards VVIPs and one for general devotees. Another queue has been arranged near the temple behind the donor passes on MG Road. Authorities have granted permission for devotees to enter through the VVIPS’ arch gate opposite the Rangopalpet Police Station.
Special Buses for RTC
In order to provide convenience to devotees during the Bonalu festival being held in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, RTC has arranged for 150 special buses. From 19 districts around the city, devotees who come for the Bonalu festival have been provided with city buses for their transportation. Authorities have made these arrangements to ensure the smooth movement of devotees attending the Bonalu Jatara. They have advised devotees to make use of these facilities and make their visit comfortable.